Rawalpindi:The transport authorities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have failed to reduce fares despite a significant reduction in fuel prices by over Rs35 per litre in a month. Local transporters are still charging Rs40 stop-to-stop, with some charging Rs50, and the transport authorities have not taken any action, leaving the public in a difficult situation.
No transporter has a fare list available to show to passengers. Not only are local transporters charging high fares, but they are also behaving rudely with commuters. Various modes of local transport, such as Suzuki, wagons, mini-buses, taxicabs, and Qingqui rickshaws, are overcharging the public, with the authorities turning a blind eye to the situation.
Secretary of the District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA), Rashid Ali, stated that they are taking strict action against overcharging and overloading. They have also impounded local transports and imposed fines against them. He mentioned that they have issued a fare list and transporters will need to adhere to it, or face strict action. Three months ago, 1-litre of petrol was selling at Rs297, but due to multiple reductions by the federal government, it is now selling at Rs258.
Despite the reduction in petrol prices, transporters have not reduced the fares. They are taking advantage of the lack of effective governance. The absence of RTA and district administration officers has given local and long route transporters the chance to overcharge passengers.
Transporters are still charging the old rate of Rs120 from Raja Bazaar to Morgah, Kotha Kalan, Adiala, Chakri, Golra Sharif, Sahala, and Kohi Noor Mills. Motorcycle riders and Qingqui rickshaw fares also remain unchanged. Commuters at different bus stops expressed their frustration, stating that local transporters have not reduced fares even after a significant cut in fuel prices.