Sun Mar 09 11:43:38 UTC 2025: ## Bangalore Metro Fare Hike Leads to Significant Drop in Ridership
**Bengaluru, March 9, 2025** – A month after Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) implemented a fare hike, ridership has plummeted by nearly 100,000 passengers daily. February 2025 saw a 40 lakh decrease in total ridership compared to January, falling from 2,49,14,736 to 2,09,90,894.
Weekday ridership, previously averaging 8.5 to 9 lakh passengers, has dropped to 7.5 to 8 lakh, according to a BMRCL official. While the official expressed cautious optimism about stabilization at the lower figure, the significant decrease reflects public discontent.
The fare hike, implemented on February 9th, saw increases of up to 100% on some routes, sparking widespread outrage. Although Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intervened, directing BMRCL to revise “abnormal hikes,” capping the maximum increase at 71%, commuters remain dissatisfied.
Many commuters, like Varun Bharadwaj, have found the increased fares unaffordable, rendering the metro less convenient and cost-effective than other options. The Bangalore Metro Commuters’ Association expressed disappointment that the fare hike wasn’t even discussed during the recent budget session.
The reduced ridership is evident in less crowded trains, a stark contrast to the previously overcrowded coaches. Social media posts reflect the impact, with commuters noting the noticeably quieter trains. The decrease highlights concerns that the fare hike is pricing many people out of using the metro, undermining its accessibility and affordability as a public transport system.
First Piper 