BENGALURU: Following the hike in fares, Namma Metrohas been adversely affected, with commuters hesitant to travel even on weekends.
Due to the increased fares, people are now opting to travel by their own vehicles or by BMTC buses. As a result, Metro trains are running empty even on weekends.
Earlier, people would travel by the Metro to popular destinations like Orion Mall and Iskcon Temple on weekends. The Sandal Soap Factory metro station, which is usually crowded, is now deserted and trains are empty.
The Metro fare hike, which came into effect last Sunday, saw a 46 per cent increase. The maximum fare is now Rs 90 for a distance of 30 km, while the minimum fare is Rs 10 for a distance of 0-2 km.
Metro commuters said most of them have now started using their own vehicles to reach their destinations after the hike in ticket prices. “Today there is no such crowd seen in the metro”, pointed out a commuter.
Another passenger said that there are usually a large number of commuters boarding from Majestic metro station. “But today there is no such crowd in the metro, even though it is the weekend due to the Metro fare hike effect”, he said.