Bengaluru Metro Sees 10% Drop in Ridership; Fare Reduction Unlikely
Bengaluru’s Namma Metro has reported a 10% decrease in daily ridership following a recent fare hike. Despite the decline, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has stated that it will not consider rationalizing fare slabs at this time.
Impact of Fare Increase on Metro Ridership
On February 10, the first weekday after the fare adjustment, the Metro recorded a ridership of approximately 828,000 passengers, a 6% drop from the average of 880,000 daily commuters. The following day saw a further decline, bringing the total decrease to 10%. The fare increase, implemented to address operational costs and fund future expansions, has been met with mixed reactions from the public.
BMRCL’s Stance on Fare Rationalization
In response to the declining ridership, BMRCL officials have ruled out the possibility of fare rationalization. They argue that the current fare structure is necessary to maintain service quality and support ongoing infrastructure projects. The corporation believes that ridership numbers will stabilize as commuters adjust to the new fares.
Public Reaction and Future Outlook
Commuters have expressed concerns over the increased fares, citing the financial strain amid rising living costs. Some have called for a review of the fare structure to make public transportation more affordable. However, BMRCL maintains that the fare hike is essential for the Metro’s sustainability and future development.
As the city continues to grow, the demand for efficient and reliable public transportation remains high. BMRCL is monitoring ridership trends closely and plans to implement strategies to encourage public transit use, including service improvements and potential promotional offers.
In conclusion, while the recent fare increase has led to a noticeable decline in Bengaluru Metro’s ridership, BMRCL remains firm on its decision, emphasizing the importance of financial viability and service excellence. The corporation is optimistic that ridership will recover as passengers acclimate to the new fare structure.
