Metro commuters protest fare hike, demand govt action

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: The Bangalore Metro Commuters' Association (BMCA), in collaboration with the Save Bangalore Committee, held a convention on February 23, 2025, to address concerns over the recent metro fare hike. Over 150 commuters, activists, and experts gathered to discuss the financial and social impact of rising fares and propose solutions. Dr Ashish Verma, Professor of Transportation Systems Engineering at IISc Bangalore, emphasised that affordable public transport is a fundamental government responsibility.

He highlighted its role in reducing congestion, improving air quality, and benefiting public health. Dr Verma criticised Namma Metro for prioritising profit over service, calling for transparency in fare-setting and increased government funding to ease the financial burden on daily commuters.

Dr. Sudha Kamath, President of the Medical Service Center Karnataka, noted that Bangalore, once known as a "pensioners' paradise," now struggles with respiratory illnesses due to traffic pollution. While she acknowledged the metro’s role in shifting people from personal vehicles to public transport, she warned against the corporatisation of essential services and urged citizens to hold the government accountable. Dr Meghna Verma, Associate Professor at Ramaiah Institute of Management, stressed that rising fares disproportionately impact women and people with disabilities, limiting their mobility.

She called for a people-centric approach to public transport, ensuring accessibility for all. V N Rajashekar of the Save Bangalore Committee pointed out that the Bangare Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) aims to generate Rs 3 crores daily from fare hikes.