Bengaluru Metro fare hike: Maximum fare up from Rs 60 to Rs 90

Bengaluru Metro fares have been hiked. (File photo)

Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has decided to increase the maximum fare by around 50 percent, from Rs 60 to Rs 90, effective February 9 (Sunday).

According to a BMRCL statement on February 8, 5 percent discount will be provided only to smart card users and not to QR code users.

While the minimum fare (0-2 km) remains the same at Rs 10, the fare for the second stage (fare zone: 2-4 km) has increased from Rs 15 to Rs 20. The fare for distances beyond 25 km is Rs 90.

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It has also decided to discontinue discounts for QR code users, as the 5% discount will now be available only for smart card users. BMRCL has also increased the minimum balance requirement for smart cards from Rs 50 to Rs 90.

However, an additional 5% discount will be offered on smart cards (5 percent discount during peak hours and 5 percent off during off-peak hours, making it an effective 10 percent) for travel during off-peak hours, based on the time of entry into the Metro system. Off-peak hours: from the start of service till 8am, 12pm to 4pm, and 9pm to closing hours on weekdays.

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A 10 percent discount will also be offered on smart cards on all Sundays and national holidays (January 26, August 15, and October 2) throughout the day.

Additionally, tourist card fares (day passes) and group ticket prices have been revised as follows: one-day, three-day, and five-day passes have been increased to Rs 300, Rs 600, and Rs 800, respectively.

BMRCL stated that, in accordance with Section 34 of the Metro Railways (Operation & Maintenance) Act, 2002, a Fare Fixation Committee was constituted under the chairmanship of a former High Court judge by the Union government on September 7, 2024, to recommend a revised fare structure.

The committee submitted its report on December 16, recommending the revised fare structure.

As per Section 37 of the Metro Railways (Operation & Maintenance) Act, the recommendations of the Fare Fixation Committee shall be binding on the Metro Railway Administration.

"The Fare Fixation Committee, after striking a fine balance between affordability and financial sustainability, has recommended the revised fare structure," the release stated.

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