Historic fuel price reduction only yields one rupee concession in Karachi's bus fares

Transport minister said strict action will be taken against transporters violating the reduction

KARACHI: Despite talks with the Sindh government after a record decrease in petroleum prices in the country, transporters in Karachi have announced a decrease in city fares by just one rupee, Express News reported.

The decision was made after talks between provincial transport minister Mumtaz Jakhrani and members of Karachi Transport Ittehad on Thursday.

While talking to media after the meeting, President Karachi Transport Ittehad Irshad Bukhari said public transport fares were reduced by a rupee, after which Rs10 will be charged for a journey between one to five kilometers; Rs14 for a distance between five to seven kilometers whereas minimum fare will be Rs10.

Bukhari argued that as compared to other cities, fares in Karachi were the lowest but the government was discriminating against them.

“Fares were reduced in 2012 after a fall in CNG prices but now they are asking us to reduce fares after a decrease in petrol prices,” he said.

Jakhrani on the occasion said strict action will be taken against transporters violating the reduction, adding that a crackdown against Qingqi rickshaws was also on the cards.