Hyderabad: A recent fare hike has left the Hyderabad Metro grappling with a noticeable dip in daily passengers, casting doubt on the system’s efforts to keep regular commuters on board. Since fares went up on May 17, the metro has seen a steady 5% drop in ridership, with Monday’s count slipping to around 4.60 lakh passengers. The downturn has prompted many to switch to more budget-friendly options like city buses and shared autos, particularly for non-peak journeys.
The Metro Rail authorities, facing mounting criticism from commuters and local residents alike, introduced a modest fare rollback of up to 10% on May 25. But the gesture has failed to lure back the bulk of the daily riders, with the quiet hours outside of rush periods now marked by half-empty trains. It seems the price jump has turned the Metro from a preferred mode of travel into a less attractive option, especially for those juggling already stretched household budgets.
Since its launch in 2017, the Hyderabad Metro has been a vital lifeline for the city’s overburdened roads, offering a quick alternative to the notorious traffic congestion. Yet, the fare hike has sparked widespread frustration among regular commuters, many of whom are grappling with rising costs for essentials and can no longer justify the higher fares. Even with the recent price cut, passenger numbers remain stubbornly low, leaving many to question whether the Metro’s pricing strategy is undermining its own mission to serve as Hyderabad’s go-to transport solution.
