Several passengers were caught unawares on Wednesday evening by a sudden decision of the BMRCL to increase the minimum balance on smart cards to ₹50 from ₹8.50. There was chaos at many stations as passengers were unable to enter the platform.
Many commuters staged protests demanding that the rule be implemented from Thursday. Ravi C., a commuter at Mantri Square Sampige Road Metro Station, said some passengers didn’t have the cash to recharge their cards. “There was no notification either at the station or on BMRCL social media channels. How can they implement a rule without informing the public in advance?”
Passengers were seen arguing with the staff and demanded to know why the notification was issued without prior intimation. When they sought a meeting with senior officials, they were told by the security staff to come on Thursday.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I pay less than ₹15 to travel from my house to my college. Why should I have a minimum balance of ₹50? This is public transport and not a private entity,” said Pooja R., a student who relies on her metro smart card for her daily commute.
Many Twitter users pointed out that BMRCL should have given them at least a few days notice. Officials said the minimum fare was increased as many passengers enter the station without knowing what their smart card balance is. “There have been cases where commuters have reached their destination and tell the staff that they have no money to recharge their card,” said a senior BMRCL official.
“In order to avoid inconvenience to other commuters at the destination stations, the minimum balance on the card henceforth has to be ₹50 at originating stations. This has come into effect from the evening of 27 March 2019,” a press release by BMRCL stated. Officials said an announcement to this effect was being made in the metro since morning.
ADVERTISEMENT