Metro fare pinch for middistance travel

METRO FARE HIKE Delhi Metro has increased the fares by up to 66%, a second fare hike likely from October 1; one lakh fall in ridership but reasons may be multiple

The new fare structure implemented by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is likely to have the maximum impact on passengers travelling between five and 21 km.

Of the six fare slabs — based on the number of kilometres travelled — announced by DMRC, 62% passengers travelled between 5km and 12km and 12km and 21km distance slabs.

Earlier, there were six fare slabs between 5km and 21km and passengers had to pay between ₹12 and ₹21 for their journey. The fares for travelling the same distances now has increased to ₹20 and ₹30.

There will also be a total of only six fare slabs as against the existing 15 fare slabs and those travelling longer distances will end up paying more.

“Passengers travelling more than 32 km will have to shell out ₹22 extra. Our numbers suggest that only 11% passengers travel in that segment. The passengers travelling between 21km and 32km will have to pay a maximum of Rs 18 extra. About 17% passengers travel in that segment. Most of the passengers travel between 12km and 21km and they will now pay ₹12 extra for the journey,” said a DMRC official.

DMRC will be increasing the fare by a further Rs 10 for those travelling beyond 5 km from October onwards.

Surveys conducted across the globe have shown a reduction of 3% ridership if the fare of Metro is increased by 10%.

The DMRC has increased the fare by up to 66% and sources said this could lead to reduction in ridership for the time being.

“In comparison to last Thursday, the ridership reduced by nearly 1 lakh this Thursday, which could be due to many factors. We are hopeful that ridership will not be impacted by the fare hike,” the official added.

Last Thursday, May 4, 28 lakh passengers travelled with Delhi metro till 8 pm, which reduced to 27 lakh this Thursday, May 11. The increased fare kicked in from Wednesday, May 10, a gazette holiday.

The minimum passenger fare has been increased from Rs 8 to Rs 10 and the maximum fare from ₹30 to ₹50. This fare structure, however, will be effective only till September. From October 1, the minimum fare for travelling a distance of more than 2 km will go up further by another R 10.

Delhi metro has a network of 213km and another 140km will be added by the end of this year.

The new fare structure will not be applicable on Sundays and national holidays — January 26, August 15 and October 2. The minimum fare on these days will be ₹10 while the maximum will be ₹ 40.

In non-peak hours on weekdays, passengers using smart card will get an additional discount of 10%, making it a total of 20% discount on total fare.