Bengaluru Metro fares are likely to be revised soon. The first Metro Rail Fare Fixation Committee, constituted by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL), has invited public suggestions on the fare revision.
According to a notification issued by BMRCL, suggestions can be submitted to the committee via email at ffc@bmrc.co.in or by post to BMRCL’s head office by October 21.
The Fare Fixation Committee (FFC), an independent body with quasi-judicial powers, constituted under Sections 33 and 34 of the Metro Railway (Operations and Maintenance) Act, 2002, will examine operational cost data and take inputs from passengers and experts.
Also, read: Bengaluru Metro breaks ridership record, busiest stations in core areas
“We have requested a fare revision. FFC will listen to all stakeholders before making a final decision. The fare should reflect the cost of the services we provide. We are expecting a 15-25 percent hike, which will also boost our revenue,” said a senior official told Moneycontrol.
At present, the minimum token fare is Rs 10 and the maximum is Rs 60. Smart card users get a 5 percent discount, which was reduced from 15 percent in 2020.
The last fare revision occurred in 2017, with a 10-15 percent increase after the completion of the 42 km Phase 1. The network has since expanded to 73 km, including Purple Line (Challaghatta–Whitefield, 42.17 km, 37 stations) and Green Line (Nagasandra–Silk Institute, 30 km, 29 stations).
Also, read: Bengaluru Metro breaks ridership record, busiest stations in core areas
As per Metro policy, fares are to be revised every two years. With the network expansion and the conversion of three-car coaches to six-car trains, officials stated that operational costs have also risen. However, there is concern that a fare increase could discourage the public from using Metro services, particularly given the high parking fees and last-mile connectivity issues.
Bengaluru Metro’s daily ridership is around 8-9 lakh, and it is expected to increase once the 3 km Green Line extension from Nagasandra to Madavara becomes operational, likely by the end of October.
Separately, 19.15 km Yellow Line (RV Road–Bommasandra) is expected to open by December 2024. However, BMRCL is facing a severe shortage of trains due to delays in the supply of rolling stock from China’s CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co Ltd and its Indian partner, Titagarh Rail Systems Ltd.
Also, read: In a first, Bengaluru Metro to wrap trains with ads to boost revenue; tender to be floated soon
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