Passenger woes: Holiday rush clogs major city roads

Citizens complain of overcharging at bus stands

LAHORE:

An Eid-like rush was witnessed on Wednesday across thoroughfares as citizens left in droves for their hometowns on account of the long weekend.

The government has announced two holidays on Thursday and Friday in connection with Eid Miladun Nabi and Christmas. Most public and private offices will remain closed for four days and open on Monday.

A severe traffic jam was seen on Bund Road, Badami Bagh Railway Station, Ferozepur Road and City Railway Station among other major roads and the city’s various entry and exit points. Bus terminals and adjoining roads remained packed with passengers. Citizens Amjad, Salman, Qaisar and scores of others complained that transporters had been fleecing the people. “Earlier, we only had to face such a situation during Eid,” they said.

They emphasised that overcharging passengers was a habit with transporters during high season but authorities paid no attention to passengers’ complaints. Qaisar said authorities should take strict action against transporters and find a permanent solution for the recurring problem. Arsalan, another passenger, said he wanted to spend the holidays with his family in Murree. “I know we planned our vacation at the last moment. But I will try my best to get hold of the few remaining tickets for Thursday morning to avoid the rush,” he said.

Most transport companies had suspended telephonic reservation services due to overwhelming demand. A Daewoo Express booking agent told The Express Tribune that all seats had already been reserved. He said the service had had to arrange extra buses on select routes to cater to the great demand.

Another ticket clerk at Niazi Bus Stand said the company was being confronted by an Eid-like rush courtesy the long weekend. He said their regular passengers had availed the company’s advance booking facility. However, those who did not avail the facility had been facing problems, he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 24^th, 2015.