Metro seeks to boost non-fare revenue as operation costs soar
Unable to meet spiralling expenses with revenues yet to reach pre-Covid levels, the BMRCL has decided to monetise its real estate by expanding the commercial space at metro stations to 2.20 lakh square feet.
“At present, there are about 16 retailers renting a total of 21,000 square feet, which we want to expand,” said a senior official in the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).
Officials set Rs 50 crore as the non-fare revenue target for the financial year 2022-23 amidst a sluggish return to pre-Covid ridership and increased expenses due to the restoration of normal services.
The average daily ridership figures crossed the 3-lakh mark recently, still about 35%-40% lower than the 4.5-5 lakh seen during the pre-pandemic days.
