Namma Metro Fare Now as Costly as a Meal? Bengaluru Commuters Protest Over Metro Fare Hike

Bengaluru: Namma Metro commuters staged a protest on Sunday against the recent fare hike, arguing that it severely impacted common people, especially women and low-income groups. Protesters claimed that the increased metro fares had reduced ridership and placed a financial burden on daily travelers.

During the demonstration, people held placards reading, "We demand rollback of metro hike." One commuter highlighted the sharp increase in her travel expenses due to the fare hike.

Commuters Struggled With High Costs

She said, "I have to get to Magadi Road to catch the metro, from where I get to Indiranagar Metro Station, near my office. The journey cost would be Rs 28.50 (before hike). But now the same distance costs us Rs 47.50. So the travel fare has essentially doubled. This has affected me deeply. It now costs Rs 100 only for the metro journey. It is a struggle to bear this cost on a daily basis. So now, I have started coming by bus (2.5 hours one-way)."

Greenpeace India Survey Highlights Financial Strain

A Greenpeace India survey revealed that 72.9 percent of commuters now spend as much on transport as they do on a meal, indicating a significant financial strain. Additionally, the survey found that public transport ridership dropped by 13 percent after the fare hike. 

Also Read: Will Nitish Kumar Join Opposition? Tejashwi Yadav's Sharp Response

Higher Fares May Worsen Traffic and Pollution

Protesters argued that rising transport costs discouraged people from using metros, buses, and trains, potentially leading to higher dependence on private vehicles, and worsening traffic congestion and pollution.

Call for Climate-Friendly Solutions

Greenpeace India advocated for alternative solutions such as congestion charges instead of fare hikes to address urban mobility challenges. Protesters emphasized that the metro system should remain accessible to all, not just those who can afford increased fares.

The demonstration highlighted growing concerns about public transport affordability and its impact on daily commuters in Bengaluru.