BMTC flexi-fares system causing confusion

BMTC flexi-fares system causing confusion

Staff Reporter
Hardly one per cent of the passengers raised objections

BANGALORE: The flexi-fares system introduced on Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation’s Vayu Vajra service has created confusion among travellers to the international airport at Devanahalli. While fares from Mehkri Circle and Hebbal to the airport have been reduced, normal fares prevail during the return journey, thus causing confusion.

The corporation introduced flexi-fares system from December 1 and slashed the fare between Mehkri Circle to the airport from Rs. 125 to Rs. 80 and between Hebbal and the airport from Rs. 100 to Rs. 50. On the other hand, it had increased the fares from the airport towards various destinations in the city by Rs. 15 to Rs. 30.

Pavan Kumar N., a student, had travelled by Vayu Vajra from Hebbal to the airport on Saturday by paying Rs. 50. However, on the return journey, he had to pay Rs. 120. Mr. Kumar said even the conductor could not give a satisfactory answer.

‘There is no confusion’
A senior BMTC official said the corporation introduced flexi fares to make good for losses being suffered. There were also instances of cabs picking up airport-bound passengers from Mehkri Circle and Hebbal offering Vayu Vajra fares. “Therefore, we slashed the fares from Mehkri Circle and Hebbal towards the airport,” the official said. However, the service cannot be run under loss and hence the corporation had to increase fares towards the city, he added.

Regarding confusion among passengers, the officer said hardly one per cent of them did argue with the crew. “We also got a feedback survey and a majority of passengers agreed with the corporation’s stand,” he said.