RTA fails to control traffic issues

Public transport wagons, mini buses and others packed with passengers

RAWALPINDI: The Rawalpindi Transport Authority (RTA) has failed to make any mechanism to control overloading and overcharging in public transport vehicles during the month of ramazan.

The public transport wagons, mini buses and others could be seen packed with passengers. The RTA has also failed to take any action against hike in fares despite the visit of the secretary to various bus stands in the city. The transporters have decided to increase fares by 15% as well as to receive luggage fares during eid season.

The officials of transport union said that the recent hike in petrol prices was the reason behind increased fares. They told the spare parts as well as other equipment have surged up to 1000%.

Further, all owners of private bus stands have hired vehicles, which commute between twin cities, for long routes owing to which the passengers in twin cities will face shortage of transport facility from 25th Ramazan till the end of Eid holidays. It was observed that temporary transport stands have also been established prior to Eid season.  

Published in The Express Tribune, May 12^th, 2019.