Protesting against the proposed hike in fares by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the Delhi Metro Commuters’ Association (DMCA) on Monday called for ‘boycott’ of metro services on Tuesday.
Dip in ridership
The DMCA on Monday distributed leaflets among commuters to raise awareness about the hike in fares.
“It should be known that metro fares are being raised for the second time this year. So drastic was the effect of fare increase earlier that the average metro ridership decreased to 1.3 lakh per day. The impending increase will raise fares by twice the original amount,” the DMCA said in a statement.
adverse effect
Stating that the hike will have an adverse effect on the common people, DMCA convener Sachin S. Bhandari said, “The decision will affect the common people here, who are already reeling under inflation. The argument of the Urban Development Ministry and the DMRC citing losses are utterly false as fares are already very high. Moreover, almost all metro trains are jam-packed, thereby adding to profits.”
“Due to increase in fares, women will have to revert to crowded buses, which would cause an increase in incidents of harassment. For the labouring masses and common students, the present step will only cause problems since the fares will be too high for them,” the DMCA said.
Memorandum submitted
The association also submitted a memorandum to the DMRC demanding immediate fare reduction.
“To pressurise the Union Ministry into revoking its decision, the DMCA will organise a massive boycott day on Tuesday,” the DMCA convener said.
