In Rawalpindi and Islamabad, transporters have failed to reduce fares despite a significant drop in fuel prices over the past month. The fuel price decrease of over Rs. 35 per litre has not been reflected in transport fares, causing inconvenience to passengers.
The fare for a stop-to-stop ride remains at Rs. 40, with some transporters charging as high as Rs. 50. The lack of intervention from authorities has allowed transporters to maintain high fares, leaving passengers unaware of the correct fares due to the absence of fare lists.
Various forms of local transport, including Suzuki vans, wagons, mini-buses, taxis, and Qingqi rickshaws, continue to overcharge passengers. The authorities’ inaction has led to public frustration, with the District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA) only recently taking action against some offenders.
According to Rashid Ali, Secretary of DRTA, a new fare list has been issued, and transporters must comply or face consequences. However, the lack of enforcement and monitoring has rendered this directive ineffective.
The fuel price drop from Rs. 297 per litre to Rs. 258 per litre over the past three months has not led to a corresponding reduction in transport fares. The absence of RTA and district administration officers has allowed local and long-route transporters to continue overcharging passengers.
Passengers are urged to demand fair fares, and authorities are requested to intervene and ensure that transporters comply with the new fare list.
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