A Bengaluru resident’s comparability of metro and auto fares has gone viral on social media, reigniting discussions on the affordability and comfort of public transport within the metropolis.
Police stand guard close to a metro practice at Majestic metro station in Bengaluru.(PTI File Photograph)
The viral publish on X highlighted the associated fee disparity between metro and auto fares for a similar route, noting {that a} journey from Malleshwara to Yelachenahalli by metro for 3 folks prices ₹180, whereas touring by auto for a similar variety of passengers prices ₹210.
(Additionally Learn: Karnataka: Kannada outfits announce statewide bandh on March 22 over assault on bus conductor in Belagavi)
Try the publish right here:
The publish triggered a flurry of reactions, with customers debating the practicality and cost-effectiveness of every mode of transport.
Some identified that factoring in last-mile connectivity bills might push metro journey prices past ₹210. “If we account for spending on the last-mile transport, it may exceed ₹210,” one consumer famous.
Others urged that the Karnataka authorities ought to work with auto unions to transition to electrical autos, citing current decreased fare constructions for e-autos as a option to profit passengers.
Whereas some customers defended metro journey for its velocity, security, and luxury, others argued that the fare construction needs to be extra inexpensive. “Metro has AC, is safer, and ensures timely arrival. But three people in an auto for long distances isn’t comfortable,” a consumer remarked.
A couple of additionally identified metro’s effectivity. “Yes, but the only advantage? Metro takes about 20-25 minutes, while an auto takes longer,” one consumer added.
Metro ridership drops
On February 8, the Bangalore Metro Rail Company Restricted (BMRCL) authorities elevated the fare by virtually 100 per cent. Along with it, the BMRCL began charging 5 per cent additional throughout ‘peak hour’.
Ten days after the hike was effected, it has come to mild that the ridership has been decreased to six.3 lakh a day, BMRCL stated.
“There was a decline in metro ridership by about 2.3 lakh. The expected revenue from the hike has not been achieved. So, our revenue is still the same, or less than it, compared to what it was before February 9 when the hike was effected,” a BMRCL official instructed PTI.
The ridership got here down regardless of the BMRCL placing a cap of 71 per cent hike within the metro rail fare as an alternative of over 100 per cent in some sections.
(With PTI inputs)