BENGALURU: Namma Metro’s toll-free helpline is clearly stuck in a time warp. According to it, neither the corridor between Yelachanehalli and Nagasandra nor the Kempe Gowda Interchange Metro stations exist.Also, the first train still begins at 6 am and the last train has its run at 10 pm.
The toll-free number (180042512345) advertised prominently on its new website misleads one desperately trying to seek information. What is worse is that if you opt to interact with an operator via the number rather than listen to the recorded info, the call is put on hold for a full four minutes. It then gets abruptly disconnected.Sometimes, the helpline number just keeps ringing and there is no response at all or it appears to be constantly engaged.
This reporter had to make 12 phone calls to the number just to access a simple information. The full East-West Corridor of Namma Metro (Baiyappanahalli to Mysuru Road) was launched on April 30, 2016. It is nearly 1.5 years after that D-day and the helpline still gives only information relevant to that date.
As on date, the first Metro train (Pilot train) runs at 5 am and the last one runs at 11 pm from all four stations; Yelachenahalli, Mysuru Road, Baiyappanahalli and Nagasandra.
A commuter had brought the helpline woes to the attention of Metro officials in July this year tweeting ‘Metro helpline never works.’ Obviously, no one has still taken him seriously.
The fare chart has also not been updated with the hike in fares ranging between 10% to 12% effected after the full Phase-I was launched (June 18, 2017) is not reflected.
Such transport helplines are a main source of information for Metro commuters world over who get information right up to the minute the next train arrives at any specific station. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation clearly has a lot of catching up to do.Metro officials could not be reached for their response.