Extend free travel facility to metro services for students

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The Bengaluru Metro Commuters Association says that unlike several public transport systems in the country, the Namma Metro currently does not offer concession passes to any category of commuters, including students and persons with disabilities. | Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR

Following the Karnataka government’s decision to provide free bus travel to students across the State, the Bengaluru Metro Commuters Association (BMCA) and students have urged the government to extend the benefit to Namma Metro users by introducing free or subsidised metro passes for students.

After taking charge as Chief Minister on June 3, D.K. Shivakumar announced a free bus travel scheme to students across the State.

In a statement, the association welcomed the announcement of free bus passes, but said the initiative would have a greater impact if students were also allowed to travel free of cost on the city’s metro network.

The BMCA pointed out that unlike several public transport systems in the country, the Namma Metro currently does not offer concession passes to any category of commuters, including students and persons with disabilities (PwDs). The demand for such concessions has been pending for several years, it said.

According to the association, transport expenses should not become an obstacle to education. It argued that free metro travel would help students from different socio-economic backgrounds access educational institutions, libraries, coaching centres and other academic facilities across Bengaluru without placing an additional financial burden on their families.

Students who rely on the metro services for their daily commute echoed the demand. Lavanya S., a UPSC aspirant from Indiranagar, said a subsidised student metro pass would significantly reduce her monthly travel expenses.

“After attending college, I travel by metro every day to reach my coaching centre in Vijayanagar as well. The metro is the fastest and most reliable option for me because I have to travel across the cit