MMRDA sends notice to R-Infra over unilateral withdrawal of fare discounts
The fare changes made are for the two types of smart cards being sold, namely, Trip Based Pass and Store Value Pass and also for Return Journey Tokens
The battle over the Versova-Ghatkopar metro fare continues, with the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) issuing a notice to Reliance Infrastructure led Mumbai Metro One Private Limited (MMOPL) for partially withdrawing tariff discounts from June 12, 2017, onwards.
MMRDA officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the development, saying they will wait for MMOPL's response before taking action.
MMOPL had partially withdrawn fare discounts without prior notice to commuters or without approval from the board, which includes government officials.
The fare changes made are for the two types of smart cards being sold, namely, Trip Based Pass and Store Value Pass and also for Return Journey Tokens.
Those holding Trip Based Pass and travelling over 8 km to or from Asalpha or Jagruti Nagar or Ghatkopar to Versova will be hit the most as they will have to pay Rs 400 more every month.
Till Sunday, there were two slabs under Trip Based Pass of Rs 675 (travel of less than 8 km) and Rs 900 (more than 8 km). These passes have been revised to Rs 750 and Rs 1,050, respectively.
In case of Return Journey Tokens, Rs 5 and Rs 10 has been increased per trip depending upon the distance of travel.
Similarly, if a passenger with Store Value Pass who had been paying Rs 32 to travel on the 11.40-km corridor, will now have to pay Rs 35. For the rest of the commuting distance, 10% discount in fare continues.
On the subject, MMOPL spokesperson said, "Mumbai Metro One’s right to fix the fare on the initial opening of the project has been upheld by the Hon'able Bombay High Court and the Hon'able Supreme Court.The existing fare of Rs. 10-40 forms the basis of the fares being presently charged by MMOPL and there is no change in the fare slabs of Rs. 10-40. However, the discounts provided in the existing fares available across different fare products have been reduced after two and a half year. Depending on market conditions, MMOPL are well within its rights to increase or decrease discounts. We aim to bring it in line with other metros."