Vasan calls for reduction in Metro train fares

The metro rail was introduced to reduce heavy traffic congestion in Chennai city on public demand. Chennai had two systems in the form of Mass Rapid Transport System and Metro Rail project. Since last June, Metro rail services were being operated in the city. The fare for the metro train was fixed at Rs 10 minimum and Rs 40 maximum. 

Though members of the public called for a fare reduction, the Metro Rail management did not yield to the demand. It resulted in a reduction in the number of commuters and a consequent fall in the revenue of the organisation, Vasan explained. In these circumstances, metro train services were being extended up to airport from Koyambedu, and the Metro management had decided to fix the maximum fare at Rs 50 per trip. 

Vasan said this would cause more misery to the passengers. Since the public thought that the existing fare was itself too high, the management should decrease it and avoid an increase of Rs 10 for the extension of the line, he demanded. 

Vasan gave examples of existing fares in other metros in the country which varied between Rs 5 and Rs 30 per trip. He also suggested integrating the suburban train services with other forms of rapid transport to reduce traffic congestion in the city.