Residents of Osborne Road call for action on metro fare hike

NT Correspondent Bengaluru: The Residents’ Welfare Association of Osborne Road has addressed the Chief Operating Officer of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) regarding the recent proposal to hike metro fares. The association appreciates the initiative to seek public suggestions but urges caution regarding the fare increase. The association notes that the current fare structure was established long ago when the cost of living was significantly lower. While they acknowledge the necessity of adjusting fares to enhance service quality, they assert that the existing metro services fall short of commuter expectations. Initially, the metro offered a pleasurable experience, but it has since become a vital mode of transportation for many.

Members of the association highlight that lower denomination tickets are rarely purchased due to the inconvenience of navigating multiple floors and security barriers at stations. Many commuters opt for alternative modes of transport instead. To better serve the community, the association has outlined several recommendations, including the need for affordable parking facilities at metro stations to accommodate commuters and efficient point-topoint connectivity services that link various locations to metro stations. They suggest offering discounted monthly passes for regular users and flexible daily travel options for field professionals. Additionally, the association emphasizes the importance of integrated ticketing, which would provide combined tickets that include metro travel and other transportation modes, enhancing overall accessibility and convenience for all commuters.

As the metro service has expanded in both reach and capacity, the association believes operational costs have decreased, allowing for competitive fare structures compared to other transportation options like buses, suburban trains, and personal vehicles. The Osborne Road Residents’ Welfare Association urges BMRCL to reconsider the fare hike and focus on improving service quality and facilities for commuters. They hope that their suggestions will be taken into account.