Commuters Shift to BMTC and Private Vehicles
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Metro has witnessed a sharp decline in ridership, with over one lakh passengers opting out within three days of the fare hike. Data from Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) shows that daily ridership, which stood at 8.67 lakh on February 5, dropped to 7.62 lakh by February 12.
The decline has impacted BMRCL’s daily revenue, previously ranging between ₹2 crore and ₹2.5 crore. Many commuters, especially from the lower-middle-class segment, have shifted to alternative transport options. A significant number have switched to BMTC buses, benefiting from the government’s Shakti Yojana, which provides free travel for women.
On February 10, BMTC recorded 22.17 lakh passengers, which increased to 23.59 lakh on February 11, marking a rise of 1.41 lakh commuters, with women forming the majority.
While the fare hike has had minimal impact on affluent passengers, daily wage earners and office-goers who relied on the metro for affordability have been significantly affected. BMRCL has not yet announced any measures to address the decline in ridership.
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