Bengaluru Metro has announced a significant reduction in fares by up to 30%, following widespread controversy and public backlash over a fare hike introduced earlier. The decision to lower ticket prices comes as a response to commuter protests and growing dissatisfaction, particularly from daily travelers who found the previous fare increase financially challenging.
The fare hike, implemented in 2023, had raised ticket prices across several zones, including short and long-distance routes. The increase, while aimed at boosting the metro’s revenue to support ongoing expansion and maintenance, quickly became a point of contention. Commuters, particularly students, office-goers, and lower-income groups, voiced their concerns that the fare hike made the metro less affordable, a sentiment that sparked petitions, protests, and social media campaigns demanding a rollback of the price rise.
In the face of such widespread criticism, Bengaluru Metro officials initiated a review of the fare policy. A series of consultations were held with commuters, political leaders, and transport experts to assess the impact of the hike. After carefully considering public feedback and the economic strain on daily travelers, the metro authorities made the decision to reduce fares across all fare zones, with the highest reduction reaching 30%.
The revised fare structure is expected to provide significant relief to thousands of commuters who rely on the metro for daily travel. The fare cuts will benefit a broad section of the population, including students, senior citizens, and working professionals, making metro travel more accessible and affordable. The reduction is seen as an effort to ensure that public transportation remains a viable and reliable option for people from all walks of life, especially as the city grapples with rising living costs and traffic congestion.
Metro officials have stressed that, while the fare reduction is important, it will not compromise the quality of services or the long-term development of the metro network. They assured the public that the metro would continue to focus on expanding its services, improving operational efficiency, and maintaining safety standards.
The fare revision has been welcomed by commuters, many of whom had voiced strong opposition to the earlier hike. With this move, Bengaluru Metro has taken a step toward restoring public confidence and reaffirming its commitment to making public transport both affordable and accessible for all.
