' ₹40,000 a year for metro': Bengaluru resident slams BMRCL, questions lack of monthly pass in viral post

A Bengaluru commuter's complaint about the absence of a metro monthly pass has ignited online debate.

Updated on: Feb 15, 2025, 14:00:05 IST

By Anagha Deshpande

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A Bengaluru commuter’s frustration over the lack of a metro monthly pass has sparked widespread discussion online amid the ongoing fare revision by the Bengaluru Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

X users reacted with frustration, calling for a more integrated and affordable public transport system. (Twitter/MelbinMathew21)

In a now-viral post, the resident, Karthik Reddy, highlighted the financial burden of daily metro travel.

Giving an example of a daily commuter traveling from Madavara to Whitefield, the user highlighted the high cost of metro travel. A round-trip on this route costs ₹180, while a five-day pass priced at ₹750 ( ₹150 per day) saves just ₹30 per week.

Over a year, assuming a five-day workweek for 52 weeks, this amounts to nearly ₹40,000.In contrast, a Bengaluru Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) AC bus pass costs ₹24,000 annually, while a non-AC pass is ₹14,400, making bus travel significantly cheaper than the metro.

“Since when have buses become cheaper than rail? Why doesn’t BMRCL offer a monthly pass?” the post questioned, triggering widespread discussion on public transport affordability.

(Also Read: 'Betrayed Karnataka': CM Siddaramaiah slams BJP for 'peddling lies' on Jal Jeevan Mission)

Read his post here:

How did X users react?

X users reacted with frustration, calling for a more integrated and affordable public transport system. Many suggested introducing a single pass for both BMTC and BMRCL, with fare deductions based on travel distance, allowing commuters to switch between metro and buses for cost-effective travel.

One user questioned why such an option doesn't already exist, while another argued that public transport should be efficient and affordable, not a luxury. "If buses can offer reasonable monthly passes, why can’t the metro? A well-priced metro pass would boost ridership and reduce road congestion. Common sense economics," they pointed out.

Some even speculated that the system is deliberately flawed to maintain a balance, keeping more cars on the road while investing in buses and tunnels, ultimately ensuring that common people continue to struggle.

Amid mounting criticism, the BMRCL announced a revised fare structure on Thursday, reducing the maximum hike from 100 per cent to 71 per cent.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Anagha Deshpande
Anagha Deshpande is Deputy Chief Content Producer at Hindustan Times. She is currently part of the news team. Before moving into this role, she worked with the Bengaluru desk, where she extensively covered civic issues, Karnataka politics, infrastructure, and urban governance. Over the past seven years, Anagha has worked across multiple facets of digital journalism, including reporting, editing, and video production. She briefly stepped away from journalism, only to realize that the newsroom is where she has the most fun. Her interests lie in tracking national and state politics, particularly South Indian politics, as well as social issues and public policy. She has previously worked with Deccan Herald, Mid-day, The Federal, and ThePrint, and has lived and worked in Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. When she isn't chasing stories, Anagha enjoys long aimless walks, reading, hiking, discovering new teas, and, by her own admission, overthinking almost everything.Read More

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