Subsidy sought: Varan buses may make comeback

RAWALPINDI: Varan Tours, a private company which earlier operated buses in the city, is ready to bring back its fleet if provided some incentives. Varan Tours Chairperson Uzma Gul said that the company was waiting for a green signal from the Punjab government regarding subsidised fuel rates to resume operations. Gul said a proposal for subsidy on fuel had already been submitted to the provincial government; however, no response has been received yet. She said it was the people’s right to travel on public transport at concessional fares in view of rising inflation, but it was difficult for Varan to run the service due to high diesel prices. To a question, Gul said 100 out of 133 buses were in running condition and the company’s fleet is ready to hit the roads once given the go-ahead.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 4^th, 2012.