KOCHI: The promotional offer of 50 per cent discount on return journey tickets and the reduction in parking fees at Metro stations have reflected in the ridership of Kochi Metro. The average number of daily commuters has increased from 30,000 to 45, 000 while on Monday it was 56, 000, according to Metro authorities. The promotional offer valid from November 14 to December 23 gives the commuters a free return trip at the cost of a single journey.
"The ridership has increased significantly after the promotional offer was introduced. Initially, the average ridership was 30,000 to 32,000 which is now over 45,000. “We expect more footfalls in the Metro system once the long-term schemes like monthly, student, weekend, daily and seasonal passes are in place," said a top official at the Kochi Metro Rail Limited. The KMRL has decided to introduce limited period offer for commuters as the design and implementation of long-term fare products would take time.
The passengers are given substantial discounts for a limited period and by the time the promotional period ends, the normal fare products would be available. "With the introduction of free return journey ticket, I now regularly travel by Metro to my workplace," said Siju Augustine, an employee at Lulu Mall. The reduction in the parking fee from November 22 also has encouraged more regular commuters to shift to the Metro.
