People younger than 40 with monthly income more than Rs. 40,000 seem to be the primary users of the Namma Metro service.
A study on the usage of the east-west line between M.G. Road and Byappanahalli, by researchers from Center for Infrastructure, Sustainable Transportation and Urban Planning (CiSTUP) in the Indian Institute of Science (IISc.), showed that the metro was used most (coming to nearly 70 per cent of the riders) by those whose family income is more than Rs. 40,000 per month. This makes the transport system more popular among middle and higher-middle class rather than those from economically backward families.
The study — conducted by Keya Chakraborthy — surveyed 260 households who live in the four wards through which the metro line passes. Interestingly, more than 86 per cent of those who travel by the metro are below the age of 40; with minors comprising one-third of the riders. The study reveals that travelling to school and college was cited as the most common reason for travelling by metro, with travelling for work coming a close second.
The study found that more than 60 per cent of the residents along the line have travelled by metro at least once — the maximum being in Sarvagna Nagara ward where 85 per cent have travelled. However, less than 20 per cent of these households have a member who uses the metro on a daily basis for travel.
When asked what could be done to improve usage of metro, those surveyed overwhelmingly said parking and access to metro stations (through buses).
