<p>The recent fare hike has made Namma Metro the most expensive in the country, sparking widespread public discontent. The ridership has already declined by 8-10%, raising concerns about its long-term impact. While the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) claimed that the average fare hike before discounts was 51.55%, commuters reported surges of 60% to 100 % in certain sectors. BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao has now announced a 71.43% cap on the maximum fare. However, the move offers little respite, as the demand for a complete rollback continues to grow louder. </p>.<p>The fare revision, based on recommendations by the Fare Fixation Committee, aims at addressing mounting financial pressures, including debt repayment, maintenance costs, staff salaries, and operational overheads. BMRCL justifies the hike citing debt repayment of Rs 10,422 crore until 2029-2030 and ongoing expansion projects. While these financial challenges are legitimate, relying exclusively on fare hikes to bridge the gap is a myopic solution. Rather than discouraging ridership, BMRCL should explore innovative revenue streams to create sustainable income. One option could be integrating mixed-use spaces like office and retail outlets into station design, as seen in successful models such as the Deepanjali Nagar station.</p>.<p>The steep hike threatens to undermine years of efforts to promote public transport in a city already struggling with crippling traffic congestion and pollution. Students and daily commuters, who rely on the metro for its affordability and reliability, have been hit the hardest. For many, the increased fares are an added financial burden, highlighting an unbalanced fare structure that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. </p>.<p>By pushing commuters, especially those from low-income groups, back to private vehicles, primarily two-wheelers, the fare hike may worsen the very issues the metro was designed to solve. This raises questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the current pricing model, and its alignment with metro’s original vision as a sustainable and equitable transport solution.</p>.<p>Cities like Singapore and Hong Kong demonstrate how public transport can thrive without burdening commuters, offering valuable lessons to Bengaluru. Ultimately, the metro’s success hinges on striking a balance between financial viability and public welfare. The current hike risks pushing Bengaluru towards a future where public transport becomes a luxury rather then a necessity. </p>.<p>The centre and the state, as partners in this venture, should jointly address this instead of shifting blame. The hike, coming on the heels of increased bus fares, is a step in the wrong direction. The true measure of the metro’s success lies not in its profitability but in its ability to provide affordable, reliable, accessible transportation to the people of Bengaluru, enhancing their quality of life and contributing to the city’s sustainable development.</p>
<p>The recent fare hike has made Namma Metro the most expensive in the country, sparking widespread public discontent. The ridership has already declined by 8-10%, raising concerns about its long-term impact. While the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) claimed that the average fare hike before discounts was 51.55%, commuters reported surges of 60% to 100 % in certain sectors. BMRCL Managing Director M Maheshwar Rao has now announced a 71.43% cap on the maximum fare. However, the move offers little respite, as the demand for a complete rollback continues to grow louder. </p>.<p>The fare revision, based on recommendations by the Fare Fixation Committee, aims at addressing mounting financial pressures, including debt repayment, maintenance costs, staff salaries, and operational overheads. BMRCL justifies the hike citing debt repayment of Rs 10,422 crore until 2029-2030 and ongoing expansion projects. While these financial challenges are legitimate, relying exclusively on fare hikes to bridge the gap is a myopic solution. Rather than discouraging ridership, BMRCL should explore innovative revenue streams to create sustainable income. One option could be integrating mixed-use spaces like office and retail outlets into station design, as seen in successful models such as the Deepanjali Nagar station.</p>.<p>The steep hike threatens to undermine years of efforts to promote public transport in a city already struggling with crippling traffic congestion and pollution. Students and daily commuters, who rely on the metro for its affordability and reliability, have been hit the hardest. For many, the increased fares are an added financial burden, highlighting an unbalanced fare structure that disproportionately affects vulnerable groups. </p>.<p>By pushing commuters, especially those from low-income groups, back to private vehicles, primarily two-wheelers, the fare hike may worsen the very issues the metro was designed to solve. This raises questions about the fairness and inclusivity of the current pricing model, and its alignment with metro’s original vision as a sustainable and equitable transport solution.</p>.<p>Cities like Singapore and Hong Kong demonstrate how public transport can thrive without burdening commuters, offering valuable lessons to Bengaluru. Ultimately, the metro’s success hinges on striking a balance between financial viability and public welfare. The current hike risks pushing Bengaluru towards a future where public transport becomes a luxury rather then a necessity. </p>.<p>The centre and the state, as partners in this venture, should jointly address this instead of shifting blame. The hike, coming on the heels of increased bus fares, is a step in the wrong direction. The true measure of the metro’s success lies not in its profitability but in its ability to provide affordable, reliable, accessible transportation to the people of Bengaluru, enhancing their quality of life and contributing to the city’s sustainable development.</p>
