BMRCL to submit report to Metro board on falling ridership

BENGALURU: The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) is facing backlash after the steep Metro fare hike. The move has led to a gradual decline in the number of passengers and it has not only affected the commuters but the management as well. The metro authorities are now planning to review the fare hike and its impact on the number of passengers.

The BMRCL has decided to monitor the passenger traffic for the next 15-20 days and prepare a report. Based on the findings, the authorities may consider revising the fares. The Namma Metro officials will analyse falling ridership data and identify the reasons behind the decline in numbers.

The report will also suggest measures to increase passenger traffic. If the decline in passenger numbers continues, the BMRCL may consider revising the fares. However, any decision on fare revision will be taken only after consulting with the state government and obtaining legal opinion.

The Metro authorities have clarified that the fare hike was done as per the law, and any further changes will require legal approval. The BMRCL will have to obtain legal opinion before making any changes to the fares.

B L Yashavant Chavan, Chief Public Relations Officer, BMRCL said, “Our Metro has made it clear that we cannot come to any decision right now in view of the opposition from people that has already arisen against the Metro. The current fare hike is within the law. In the meantime, due to the ongoing protests and opposition, we will have to seek legal opinion on whether any changes can be made. After that, we will have to see if there is any opportunity to fix it. We will decide after seeing the pattern. Until then, we will not be able to come to any decision”.