DMCA to hold one day-boycott against DMRC over fare hike today

New Delhi [India], May 13 (ANI): Not in compliance with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation's (DMRC) decision to increase the riding fares, the Delhi Metro Commuters' Association (DMCA) has condemned the former for hiking the fares and called on for a one-day boycott of the metro today. "The DMCA has also decided to appeal to metro commuters to boycott Delhi Metro for a day on Saturday in order to impress upon the government and the metro authorities, the disaffection the decision has caused among Delhiites," said an official statement. The DMCA has already submitted memoranda to the Ministry of Urban Development, under which the Metro operates, and Managing Director of the DMRC, seeking immediate revocation of the increase since it would adversely affect Delhi's population. The Delhi Metro had increased the base fair from Rs. 8 to Rs. 10. The increased fare is applicable from Wednesday as the base fare for upto 2 km becomes Rs. 10. While the minimum fare will now be Rs. 10, the maximum rate beyond 32 km will be Rs. 50. The hike comes in two phases. The first phase fares are only applicable till October 1, 2017 after which the DMRC will charge hiked fares approved for phase II. The revised rates also distinguish rates for Sundays and national holidays giving a 10 percent discount to increase ridership. An additional discount of 10 percent is also granted to smart card users, if passengers take the Metro during off-peak hours. Off-peak hour has been defined as up to 8 a.m. in the morning, 12 noon to 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. till the closing hours. (ANI)