Bengaluru Metro has responded to public outcry by slashing ticket prices by up to 30%, easing the fare hike that had drawn significant criticism from commuters. The fare reduction follows months of protests, petitions, and widespread backlash over the earlier price increase, which many passengers felt made metro travel unaffordable, particularly for daily commuters who depend on it for their regular travels.
The fare hike, introduced in 2023, had increased metro ticket prices across multiple zones. While the fare adjustment was intended to generate additional revenue for the metro’s ongoing expansion and maintenance projects, it quickly became a source of frustration for commuters. Working professionals, students, and lower-income groups, who rely heavily on the metro, expressed concerns about the burden of the higher fares, which many felt were out of line with the city’s rising cost of living.
Public discontent grew rapidly, with commuters flooding social media platforms to voice their complaints. Petitions calling for the rollback of the fare hike gathered thousands of signatures, and protests were organized to demand a fairer pricing structure. As the backlash intensified, Bengaluru Metro officials began a review of the fare policy, engaging with commuter groups, political leaders, and transport experts to understand the full impact of the hike on the public.
After thorough consultations and careful consideration of the concerns raised, the metro authorities decided to revise the fare structure, reducing ticket prices by up to 30%. The new fares are aimed at providing relief to commuters, especially those who travel short distances or rely on the metro as their primary mode of transportation. The fare cut is expected to make metro travel more accessible and affordable for a broader range of passengers, including students, office-goers, and senior citizens.
Bengaluru Metro officials have emphasized that while the fare reduction addresses public concerns, it will not impact the quality of services or the long-term plans for metro expansion. The metro network will continue to focus on improving efficiency and safety while ensuring that services remain reliable for its growing ridership.
This fare revision has been met with a positive response from the public, who had strongly opposed the earlier hike. By lowering fares, Bengaluru Metro aims to restore trust among its commuters and reaffirm its commitment to providing an affordable, efficient, and sustainable public transport system for the city.
