Bengaluru Metro gets costlier: Fares hiked by 50%, discounts on smart cards

Metro commuters in Bengaluru will have to pay significantly more for their rides as the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has announced a 50% fare hike, effective from February 9, 2025. The increase is based on recommendations by the Fare Fixation Committee and has been approved by the BMRCL Board.

Alongside the fare hike, BMRCL has introduced separate tariffs for peak and non-peak hours, similar to dynamic pricing models used by ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber. Under the new structure, the maximum fare has been raised from ₹60 to ₹90, and the minimum balance required on smart cards has also been increased from ₹50 to ₹90.

The revised fare structure is based on travel distance. Journeys up to 2 km will now cost ₹10, while fares increase progressively: 2-4 km at ₹20, 4-6 km at ₹30, 6-8 km at ₹40, and so on, with rides exceeding 30 km now costing ₹90. The new pricing system is expected to generate additional revenue for the metro network, which has been expanding to accommodate Bengaluru’s growing commuter demand.

To encourage the use of smart cards, BMRCL has announced a discount system. Commuters will receive a 5% discount on smart card usage during peak hours and an additional 5% off during off-peak hours, effectively offering a 10% reduction for travel outside rush hours. Peak hours are defined as 8 AM to 12 PM and 4 PM to 9 PM on weekdays, while off-peak hours cover early mornings, afternoons, and late nights. Additionally, smart card users will get a 10% discount on Sundays and national holidays.

The fare hike has sparked mixed reactions among commuters. While BMRCL justifies the increase as necessary for operational costs and expansion, passengers have raised concerns over affordability, especially after a recent 15% hike in government bus fares. Political leaders have also weighed in on the decision, with Bengaluru Central MP P.C. Mohan earlier stating that the fare hike was "put on hold" following intervention by the central government. However, BMRCL has now confirmed that the new fares will be implemented as scheduled.

The hike marks the first major revision in metro fares in several years and is expected to impact thousands of daily commuters in Bengaluru. Authorities have assured that the increased revenue will be used to enhance metro services, improve infrastructure, and ensure better connectivity in the city.