The Namma Metro and city bus services witnessed a massive drop in ridership on a daily basis due to Covid-19 restrictions. The number of metro commuters has dropped from 3.5 lakh to 2.5 lakh in less than a month.
To avoid overcrowding on platforms, BMRCL has decided to regulate the entry of commuters into stations.
After the weekend curfew was introduced, the frequency of trains dropped from 20 to 30 minutes.
Daily ridership dropped by 1 lakh
Anjum Parwez, managing director of Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) was quoted by The Hindu as saying, ”After the second wave of the pandemic, ridership had increased gradually and touched 3.5 lakh daily, but it has now reduced by 1 lakh. Daily-earnings have come down from Rs 75 lakh to Rs 55 lakh. We are following the State Government’s guidelines and are allowing passengers as per seating capacity.”
City buses have also recorded a drop in commuters. Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC), which had seen ridership touch 23-24 lakh a day, said it has reduced to below 20 lakh.
In order to protect themselves, people are opting for private modes of transport as a precaution. The closure of schools and colleges and work from home have also resulted in reduced travelling.
