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Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) has launched mobile QR-based unlimited travel passes for one, three, and five days, but the move has triggered mixed reactions among Bengaluru's daily commuters. Many regular Metro users feel that instead of short-term passes, the city urgently needs an affordable monthly pass to reduce everyday travel costs.
Introduction of Digital Passes
From January 15, BMRCL introduced these digital passes through the Namma Metro app. The new system allows passengers to travel unlimited times without paying the ₹50 refundable deposit required for smart cards. While this step is being welcomed as a move towards contactless and paperless travel, office commuters say the current pass options do not suit their daily needs.
Daily Commuters' Opinions
Frequent Metro user S. Prabhakaran said a daily pass priced at ₹250 or ₹300 does not reflect the reality of regular commuting. He explained that many people already spend more than ₹100 per day on a two-way Metro journey. On top of that, they often have to pay extra for bus travel or parking, which adds to their monthly expenses. According to him, a monthly pass that works across both Metro and buses would be far more helpful.
Another commuter, Kalai,said the daily passes seem more suitable for tourists or people who travel many times in a single day. She pointed out that most office-goers usually make only two trips, home to work and back. For them, paying ₹250 per day is too costly. She believes that a cheaper option or a monthly pass would encourage more people to switch to public transport.
Daily Metro commuter Shekaran also shared similar views. He said that if he is already spending around ₹180 for his regular commute, the daily pass offers no real savings. He added that even the longest Metro journeys cost less than the price of a daily unlimited pass, making a monthly pass a more practical and commuter-friendly solution for Bengaluru's working population.
