Transport dept launches grand operation against overcharging

LAHORE : On the orders of Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the administration, police and transport department carried out action across the province.

Punjab Transport Department official sources said that a grand operation was conducted against overcharging in transport fares under the directives of the chief minister.

The grand operation of the transport department against overcharging is ongoing in all districts of the province.During the operation, Rs1.1 million was returned to passengers. Over 2.3 million fines were imposed on overcharging transporters.More than 1,333 vehicles were ticketed for overcharging and 264 vehicles were stopped for overcharging, they said.

Meanwhile, passengers were surprised to get back the money illegally collected in the form of overcharging in fares.Elderly female passengers prayed for Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz after getting the overcharged money back. It is worth mentioning here that on the instructions of the chief minister, a special helpline 99030222 042 was also established for passengers.

Eid holidays of employees and officers of the transport department were cancelled and they were deputed in the field. During the day, the special squad of the transport department will be present at the big bus stand.Teams are active in Chiniot, Faisalabad, Jhang, Toba Tek Singh, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Hafizabad, Mandi Bahauddin.The operation is ongoing in Narowal, Sialkot, Kasur, Lahore, Nankana, Sheikhupura, Bhakkar, Khushab. A grand operation against overcharging on transport is underway in Mianwali, Sargodha, Okara, Pakpattan and Sahiwal, Attock, Chakwal, Jhelum, Rawalpindi, Bahawalnagar, Bahawalpur, Rahim Yar Khan, DG

Khan, Layyah, Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur, Khanewal, Lodhran, Multan, Vehari and Murree.

The chief minister congratulated the Deputy Commissioners, Police and Road Transport Authority officers and staff and appealed to the general public to pay only the fixed fare. - APP

Meanwhile, the district administration launched a strict crackdown on transporters charging excessive fare as thousands of citizens travel home for Eidul Fitr. Acting on the special directives of Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza, administrative officers are actively monitoring bus terminals across the provincial capital to prevent fare exploitation and ensure fair travel conditions for passengers.

During the crackdown, fines amounting to Rs264,000 were imposed, one case was registered, 72 vehicles were ticketed, and one vehicle was seized for violating fare regulations.

Several transporters were penalised for charging passengers more than the approved fares.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) Allama Iqbal Town Umair Mehmood conducted surprise inspections at Abdullah Travel and Jinnah Terminal, where one vehicle was seized, and a vehicle transport manager was arrested for overcharging.

Meanwhile, AC City Rai Babar imposed Rs49,000 in fines during a fare inspection at Babu Sabu Toll Plaza. At General Bus Stand Badami Bagh, AC Ravi Town Tariq Shabbir engaged with passengers and imposed Rs215,000 in fines, while 72 vehicles were ticketed for violating fare regulations.

Additionally, AC Allama Iqbal Town ensured the refund of Rs24,500 to passengers who were overcharged.

Deputy Commissioner Syed Musa Raza said that no leniency would be shown to transporters involved in fare exploitation or overloading.

He warned that strict legal action would be taken against any violations. The district administration remained fully engaged in ensuring fair travel facilities, closely monitoring bus terminals, and taking immediate action against transporters violating the law, he added.

Meanwhile, on the directives of DC Syed Musa Raza, authorities took strict action against illegal parking stands on Canal Road and Raiwind Road. Three individuals were arrested, and legal proceedings have been initiated.

The DC warned that illegal parking operations would not be tolerated, ensuring the protection of citizens from exploitation.