Leaving for hometowns: Passengers complain about overcharging by transporters

Twin cities wear deserted look with approaching Eidul Azha

ISLAMABAD: Roads and markets in the twin cities have started to present a deserted look as a large number of residents have started to leave for their hometowns to celebrate Eidul Azha.

All bus terminals witnessed a flock of passengers as people started leaving for their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their loved ones. At the same time, the passengers complained about overcharging by transporters.

The passengers were seen wandering from terminal to terminal to find seats in buses and wagons.

The passengers at Pirwadhai, Peshawar Mor, Hamrahi, Faizabad, Soan bus terminals said that the transporters were charging extra fares, while the local administrations and the police were conspicuous by their absence.

Fawad Raza, who along with his family was going to Sialkot, said that the transporters were demanding additional fare as “Eid tax”.

“How can I pay additional fare for a seven-member family?” he asked.

An officer of the District Regional Transport Authority claimed that special teams had been formed for checking fare violations.

“The teams were visiting all the terminals to check violations. The passengers should note the registration number of a bus or a wagon in case of over-charging, and inform the office,” he said, adding stern action would be taken against violators.

Published in The Express Tribune, September 12^th, 2016.