Rain helps Namma Metro clock new ridership record at 4.23 lakh

BENGALURU: With 4.23 lakh passengers, Namma Metro on Friday created a new ridership record, the highest after commissioning of Phase 1.

BMRCL said 4,23,098 people took Metro trains on Friday with Purple Line (east-west corridor) registering a ridership of 2.3 lakh and Green Line (north-south corridor) 1.92 lakh.

Sources say the new six-car train, which has its first coach reserved for women and is running along the Purple Line since June 23, is the primary reason for the rise in numbers. In addition to this, heavy rain coupled with heavy traffic is forcing many to switch to Metro.

However, chief public relations officer UA Vasanth Rao said: “More people are using the Metro because of the increased last-mile connectivity provided by BMTC and private bike rental firms. We have also increased parking facilities at 23 stations. Our frequency too has increased and the six-coach train is being effectively used.”

The record ridership translates to a revenue of Rs 1,03,68,148 from Purple Line (Rs 50.8 lakh) and Green Line (Rs 52.8 lakh). BMRCL’s highest revenue collection was on July 2 with Rs 1,30,61,151.

Revenue per passenger is higher for Green Line (Rs 27.5) as compared to Purple Line (Rs 22) despite a higher passenger volume on the latter. This means Green Line passengers travel longer distance than Purple Line commuters.

The previous ridership record was on January 24 ahead of a long weekend. As many as 4.11 lakh passengers took the Metro.