CTP launches operation against transporters

RTA warns bus operators against fleecing commuters, overloading vehicles during the holidays

RAWALPINDI: As residents of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad head to their hometowns and villages to celebrate Eidul Fitr, inter-city transporters have started hiking their fares. To stop this profiteering, the City Traffic Police (CTP) has launched a grand operation against these transporters for overcharging passengers.

According to City Traffic Officer (CTO) Captain (retired) Bilal Ifthikar, transporters have already been warned to stop overcharging or else face strict action in accordance with the law.

To police the transporters, the CTO said that they had created special squads who monitor these buses and wagons. If they find a public service vehicle (PSVs) overcharging passengers, they are issued a ticket and slapped with a heavy fine.

To make sure that transporters don’t dodge the fines, the CTO also directed traffic police, sector in-charges and wardens to keep a strict check on overcharging in public transports.

RTA advisory

Even as the police launched a crackdown on overcharging, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has also advised transporters to avoid overcharging the public.

RTA Secretary Khalid Yameen Satti said that it was common that as Eid nears, people leave the city to visit their relatives in their hometowns.

People from abroad as well as residents of major cities make it a point to head home with their loved ones for the festivities.

However, the transporters fleece them by charging exorbitant rates.

He warned transporters stern action would be taken if they are found overcharging and overloading passengers.

The concerned staff members have been directed to keep a check on overcharging and overloading of passengers, especially in buses and vans before Eidul Fitr.

Satti said that the checking will be carried out randomly at different places and strict action will be taken on the spot and the excess fares will be returned to the passengers.

Moreover, the RTA secretary said that they had held a meeting with transporters where the latter were directed to display the fare charts at prominent places at the bus and van stands and to adhere to them.

He also that commuters to lodge complaints on RTA's number 0800-02345 or on the complaint number 051-9270011.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 11^th, 2018.