Overcharging passengers: RTA impounds 29 vehicles

Official warns transporters against overcharging, failing to display official fares list

RAWALPINDI: The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a crackdown against transporters who operate public transport in Rawalpindi but are charging excessive fares and not displaying the fare list.  As part of the crackdown, around 29 vehicles were impounded while the owners of these vehicles were fined Rs40,000 for overcharging.

The RTA had undertaken the crackdown after receiving complaints of overcharging by transporters and transporters refusing to display official rate lists.

As a result, quarrels between passengers and the transporters were becoming a frequent, everyday issue.

The official fares for non-air conditioned, inter-city public transport wagons and mini-buses is Rs15 up to four kilometres. From 4.1 kilometres up to eight kilometres, the fare has been set at Rs16. For distances of up to 14 kilometres, a fare of Rs20 has been set. For distances up to 22 kilometres, a fare of Rs24 has been set. A fare of Rs28 has been set for distances from 22.1km to 30kms and Rs35 have been set for distances more than 35 kilometres.

Following overcharging complaints, RTA Secretary Khalid Yamin Satti launched an operation in the city and adjoining areas to check the fare list in the public transport buses.

The authority launched operations against public transporters from Baraf Khana Chowk to Pak Secretariat route 1, Sawan bridge to Hajj complex route 7, 22 number chowk to Karachi Company route no 1-C, and Rawaat to the old airport and Pak Secretariat on route number 21.

They impounded around 29 vehicles which did not prominently display the fare list and were overcharging fares in the Sawaan, Grand Trunk Road, Mandara and adjoining areas.

Satti also imposed fines worth Rs40,000  to public transporters involved in overcharging fares.

He warned transporters that vehicles which do not display the fare list and overcharge passengers will be impounded and subject to fines as well.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 8^th, 2019.