India, Nov. 6 -- Bengaluru Metro commuters have taken to social media to express growing frustration over the Rs.90 minimum balance requirement on smart cards, calling it "exploitative" and "unreasonable," especially after the recent fare hike by the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL).

Several users pointed out that even if they have enough money to cover their journey, the card refuses to process travel if the balance is below Rs.90.

"Even if my Bengaluru Metro smart card has Rs.89 balance, I can't pay Rs.10 for my travel at the exit gate. Minimum balance mandatory for BMRCL smart cards is Rs.90. Any solution other than topping up?" one commuter wrote on X.

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