In response to significant public backlash, Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a revision of its recently increased metro fares, implementing reductions of up to 30% effective immediately. BMRCL Managing Director Maheshwar Rao stated that the board reviewed public feedback and decided to address fare increases deemed excessive.
Rao explained that the fare hike anomalies were due to errors in fare calculations across various routes, with some fares jumping by as much as 100%. Following emergency meetings, the board concluded that adjustments were necessary to alleviate commuter concerns. "We aim to provide relief for an estimated 30-45% of passengers who have reported abnormal fare increases," he noted.
The new fare structure will maintain the minimum and maximum fares at Rs 10 and Rs 90, respectively, while limiting the maximum hike to 70%. This decision comes after Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged BMRCL to rectify the fare discrepancies. The changes are expected to benefit approximately 300,000 passengers, addressing grievances regarding steep fare hikes that had caused ridership to drop significantly in recent days.