BENGALURU
Around 600 students signed a petition on the first day of a campaign demanding discounted metro passes for students. The campaign, organized by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) youth wing, was held near RC College on Palace Road.
Lohith Hanumapura, state president of the AAP youth wing, said high metro fares prevent students from using public transport efficiently. “With traffic jams in Bengaluru, students struggle to reach colleges on time, which affects their studies. The government must provide concession passes immediately,” he urged.
Vice-president Umesh Gowda encouraged students to spread the message on social media and support the petition. The campaign aims to gather at least 1 lakh signatures by visiting multiple schools and colleges across the city.
Students face heavy expenses on metro travel after the fare hike in February last year. Those traveling more than 15 km spend between Rs 3,360 and Rs 4,320 per month. While smart card holders get small discounts—5% during peak hours and 10% during non-peak hours—no specific student concessions have been introduced so far.
The campaigners hope the signatures will pressure the state and central governments to consider student-friendly passes, ensuring affordable travel and easing the daily commute of thousands of Bengaluru students.