Bangalore Central MP PC Mohan asks BMRCL to retract fare hike

Bengaluru: Bangalore Central MP, PC Mohan, has urged the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to retract its recent metro fare hike and consider alternative revenue generation methods, such as advertising, commercial space rentals, and transit-oriented development.

In a statement issued on Friday, he highlighted that the fare revision by BMRCL revealed "glaring irregularities".

He noted that Namma Metro has become the most expensive public transport system in India and called for clarification on whether the additional revenue generated would be used for operations and maintenance or to fund new metro infrastructure projects.

The fare increase resulted in a loss of 1.05 lakh commuters on February 12, which Mohan described as a "clear indication of public discontent and a failure of state policy". He pointed out that other metro systems both in India and internationally operate successfully with lower fares and questioned why this was not feasible for the BMRCL.

Criticising the state government, Mohan remarked that while the metro is a joint central-state venture, land acquisition, operations, and fare decisions are under the state control.

He questioned, "If the Congress claims that the fare hike was directed by the central government, why have metro fares not increased uniformly across the country?" He alleged that the state government proposed the fare increase while neglecting public interest.

Mohan said the state Congress government should take note of Chennai metro's fare reduction in 2021 and focus on making metro travel affordable and efficient.

He stated, "Once the metro is completed, ridership is expected to exceed 15 lakh. However, the price hike is discouraging its use and alienating commuters."

He also asked the BMRCL to seek free or subsidised electricity from the state government, arguing that this would be a more "equitable and sustainable" approach to funding their operations.