Why Can't Bengaluru Students Get A Metro Pass? Youth Demand Fair Travel Options
Many colleges now run evening batches that end after 8:30 PM. Students say buses are fewer at night, and walking long distances from bus stops feels unsafe.
With Bengaluru's metro fares rising by 71 percent earlier this year, students across the city are feeling the pinch.
Regular cab rides or personal vehicles are not affordable for most. And with overcrowded BMTC buses and poor last-mile options, getting to college has become a daily challenge.
That's why Collective Bangalore, a youth group, launched a campaign a month ago. They're demanding student metro passes and feeder buses to connect campuses. So far, over 450 students from 30+ colleges have signed the petition — and they aim for 1,000 before presenting it to the authorities.
What Are Their Main Concerns?
'Hyderabad gives student metro passes, so why not Bengaluru?" asks Shalom Gauri, a member of the collective, as per Deccan Herald.
Many engineering colleges lie on the city's outskirts, and although metro routes reach them, high ticket prices are a major barrier.
Some colleges now run evening classes, ending after 8:30 pm. But reduced bus frequency and poor lighting around stops raise safety issues, especially for women.
What's the Daily Cost?
One Kengeri student says she now spends Rs 40 more per day on metro rides — money she used for autos earlier. Another student's journey involves a bus, metro, and then a 20-minute walk or a Rs 30 share auto ride. During rush hours, buses run every 30 minutes and are packed; during off-peak hours, five buses may arrive together.
What Do Campaigners Say?
Lekha Adavi from the All India Students' Association argues that transport for students should be free. 'If not, dropout rates may rise, especially for those from marginalised backgrounds," she warns.
Public transport expert Srinivas Alavilli adds, 'Students are public transport's biggest users. Give them a reason to stay loyal."
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