BMRCL's financials shouldn't burden common man, say experts, activists

Bengaluru: A panel of experts and activists has criticised the recent metro fare hike, calling for a holistic, people-centric approach to urban transportation.

At a citizens' convention opposing the fare increase, speakers included Ashish Verma, Professor of Transportation Systems Engineering at IISc; Dr Sudha Kamath, Vice-President of Medical Service Center; Prof Meghana Verma, faculty member at Ramaiah Institute of Management, and VN Rajashekhar and N Ravi, members of Save Bangalore Committee.  

Speakers stressed that the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) should not pass its financial burden onto commuters.

The event drew college students, activists, and experts, all advocating for affordable and accessible public transport.

Prof Ashish Verma underscored the importance of public transport accessibility, stating: "Any government in power has a social obligation to provide accessible public transport for all sections of society."

He added that public transport reduces traffic congestion and improves public health and quality of life. "For a city to be truly sustainable, at least 80 per cent of daily trips should be made through public transport, walking, or cycling," he said.

However, he warned that the fare hike is driving people away from the metro "Ridership is falling. Some may switch to buses, but many will return to private transport."

He also expressed frustration over government inaction, stating: "If the government was genuinely interested, I could outline a solution to traffic congestion in just two hours. But they aren't interested."

Marginalised communities

Prof Meghana Verma said fare hikes disproportionately impact disabled and marginalised communities, urging a rethink of what progress means for Bengaluru.

"A country is truly developed when the rich use public transport, not when the poor drive cars," she remarked.

Financial accountability

Dr Sudha Kamath and other speakers demanded transparency in the use of public funds, questioning: "Where did our tax and metro cess money go?"

The panel collectively called for affordable, accessible, and well-planned public transport policies, urging the government to prioritise people over profits.