Transporters create artificial shortage

RTA urges passengers to report violation of official rate list

RAWALPINDI:

With Eid just around the corner, transporters have allegedly created an artificial shortage of seats in their vehicles on advance bookings to mint money.

Several passengers are fretting over the possibility of a further hike in fares following the possible rise in petroleum prices.

Like every year, this year too a large number of residents from other cities travelling from the twin cities to their hometowns make advance bookings to ensure that they get a seat and so they are able to avoid standing in long queues. But, transporters have started charging higher than usual advance booking fares complaining about overcrowding in public transport.

Muhammad Tufail, who will travel from Rawalpindi to Sahiwal on Eid, told The Express Tribune that he and his family of five make sure to go for advance booking every year to avoid any hassle, but this year transporters have increased fares. On a normal day, the fare of a passenger in a bus with air conditioning (AC) was Rs1200 and now for Eid it costs Rs1,500 per seat, he said, adding that when he complained about the fare hike, transporters refuse to do advance bookings. “Every year transporters fleece customers but there are no checks and balances,” he said.

Another passenger, who intends to celebrate Eidul Fitr with his family in Karachi, also made the same claim, saying, “Last month the fare of an AC bus from Islamabad to Karachi was Rs4,000 per seat, now they are asking for Rs5,500. The fares are being increased without any reason and the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) is not taking any action against them.”

Read   Transporters asked to cut fares by up to 25%

When contacted RTA official said that the authority has formed two squads to tackle the issue. He said the fare list is displayed at every bus stand and that passengers are requested to lodge complaints if they are charged prices other than from the official list. He said transporters' vehicles will be confiscated and parked at police stations if found overcharging customers. Overloading and other complaints will also lead to heavy fines being imposed.

The official shared that a complaint cell has also been set up at the RTA Secretary’s office where staff will take action on telephone complaints of passengers from 9am to 5pm. He said no concessions will be given to any transporter or private bus company.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, April 26^th, 2022.