Bengaluru’s Namma Metro Faces Steady Ridership Decline After Fare Hike
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro continues to face a troubling drop in daily ridership, with figures showing a consistent decline since the fare hike was implemented earlier this month. Despite efforts by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to adjust the new prices and reduce the impact on passengers, commuters are still seeking alternatives to the Metro, which they feel is becoming increasingly unaffordable.
On Monday, February 17, Namma Metro recorded a ridership of 7.8 lakh, down from 8.2 lakh the previous week. The dip of 40,000 riders follows the fare hike that came into effect on February 9. While BMRCL tried to soften the impact of the increase by revising the prices, the changes have not been enough to halt the downward trend. The new pricing scheme, though capped at a 70% increase, has not won the approval of many regular commuters. A closer look at the numbers reveals an even more concerning trend: ridership is not only dropping on weekdays but also on weekends. On Sunday, February 16, the figure fell sharply to 5.3 lakh, a significant drop from 6.2 lakh on February 9, before the hike was introduced.
For short-distance travellers, the fare rejig has been somewhat helpful. However, long-distance commuters, who have been hit hardest by the price increases, are struggling with higher costs. For example, Sethuraman, who commutes from Hoodi to Cubbon Park, expressed his frustration, saying, “For me, it has made no difference. I used to spend Rs 70 a day; now it’s Rs 120. If I drive my two-wheeler, it costs a maximum of Rs 100. But if everyone starts driving, the city will be more congested.” This sentiment is shared by many passengers who feel that the original purpose of Namma Metro—to decongest the city—is being undermined by these hikes. Thousands of commuters are now turning to alternatives such as BMTC buses or private vehicles, which could worsen Bengaluru’s already severe traffic congestion.
Low-income groups, in particular, are finding it harder to afford the Metro fares, leading to fears that public transport may become increasingly inaccessible. Prasanna, a daily traveller, shared, “Public transport should be affordable for everyone. The hike has made it harder for people from lower-income groups to use the Metro, and ridership has dropped as a result.” BMRCL’s managing director, Maheshwar Rao, acknowledged the drop in ridership, stating, “We’re looking at the data. Once we establish a clear trend, we’ll consider the steps that need to be taken.” He also mentioned that the idea of introducing discounted passes for students, similar to those in cities like Kochi, is under consideration.
In January, Namma Metro saw a total of 2.5 crore passengers, averaging 8 lakh commuters per day. However, since the fare hike, the ridership has only exceeded the 8 lakh mark once, reaching 8.2 lakh on February 10. With the numbers continuing to fall, many are calling for a reassessment of the fare structure to ensure that public transport remains a viable and affordable option for all. As Namma Metro struggles to retain passengers, it faces a crucial challenge—balancing affordability with the need for financial sustainability. The ongoing fare controversy is just one of the many hurdles in making public transport a more attractive and accessible option for Bengaluru’s residents.
