Bengaluru faces transport fare hikes: After BMTC, autos and metro set to increase prices

Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

With the state cabinet's approval, bus fares across four state transport corporations, including Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), have been increased by 15 percent from January 2. This hike is expected to raise overall commuting costs in the city.

The bus fare increase has drawn criticism, with many fearing it will deter people from using public transport, pushing them to rely on two-wheelers instead.

Bengaluru has 1.2 crore vehicles, including 81 lakh two-wheelers. In contrast, the city has only 6,340 buses, while the requirement is around 12,000 buses.

“The fare increase will affect many people including working-class people and force them to switch to private vehicles. This will worsen traffic congestion and pollution in the city.” said Vinay Srinivasa, a member of the Bengaluru Bus Prayanikara Vedike, an NGO.

Also, read: Karnataka cabinet approves 15% hike in bus fares for four RTCs from January 5

He argued that the government should have explored other funding options, such as raising parking fees for private vehicles, instead of allocating funds to large-scale projects like the Rs 18,000 crore tunnel road project. "Meanwhile, governments worldwide are exploring free public transport options," he said.

BMTC officials defended the fare revision, citing the last increase was in 2015 when diesel prices were much lower. "The ridership may drop temporarily due to the fare hike, our minimum fare of Rs 5 is still lower than the Rs 10 minimum in Hyderabad. Periodic fare revisions are necessary," said a BMTC official.

Also, read: Tech hub Bengaluru ranks 6th most congested city globally in 2023: TomTom report

Meanwhile, BMTC has seen a rise in daily ridership, with numbers increasing from 27.7 lakh before the launch of the Shakti scheme to around 40 lakh now. Shakti scheme, which is one of the guarantees of the Congress-led government, provides free travel for women in non-AC buses in Karnataka.

Bengaluru remained India's most congested city in 2023, according to the traffic index released by TomTom, a Dutch location technology specialist. The report also places Bengaluru in the sixth position in the global ranking of the most congested cities for 2023.

Metro and auto fare revisions likely

Also, read: Bengaluru Metro fares to be revised? Fare Fixation Committee seeks public suggestions

Similarly, Bengaluru Metro's fare is likely to increase by 15 -20 percent. The Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), an independent body with quasi-judicial powers, recently examined operational cost data, consulted passengers and experts, and submitted its report to Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Sources said the committee, comprising retired High Court judge Justice R Tharani, Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs Additional Secretary Satinder Pal Singh, and retired IAS officer from Karnataka EV Ramana Reddy, recommended an increase in Namma Metro train fares.

Sources said that the Metro fare is likely to increase by 15-20 percent, even though BMRCL had sought an increase of up to 25 percent. "Our board meeting will approve the decision to revise the fare, but it will be done after obtaining approval from the state government," said a BMRCL source.

Currently, the minimum token fare is Rs 10, and the maximum is Rs 60, with smart card users receiving a 5% discount (down from 15% in 2020). The last fare hike was in 2017, following the completion of the 42 km Phase 1. Since then, the network has expanded to 76 km, including the Purple Line (Challaghatta–Whitefield) and Green Line (Silk Institute - Madavara). The extension of the network and the conversion of three-car coaches to six-car trains have increased operational costs. However, there are concerns that a fare hike may discourage Metro ridership.

Meanwhile, Auto-rickshaw fares in Bengaluru are also expected to increase, as the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) plans to meet with auto unions to discuss a possible revision. The previous meeting on December 23 was postponed. Auto drivers are demanding a fare hike, proposing an increase in the minimum fare from Rs 30 to Rs 40 for the first 2 km and from Rs 15 to Rs 20 for each additional Km. The last fare revision occurred in December 2021. Drivers argue that rising LPG prices, daily expenses, and maintenance costs have made current fare unsustainable.

Also, read: Bengaluru auto rickshaw fare revision likely as transport dept calls for meeting