Plan outlined to counter overcharging on bus fares

LAHORE:

Traffic police have finalised measures to counter the practice of overcharging bus passengers in preparation for the upcoming Eid holidays.

Citizens, particularly workers and students, leave the city during the Eid holidays to celebrate with their loved ones at their towns and villages.

Transporters and bus drivers take the increased number of passengers as an opportunity to make money. Not only are commuters overcharged but they are forced to travel in dangerous conditions, such as sitting on the roof, standing inside the bus or sitting on makeshift seats.

The overcharging is exploitative, as it not only causes nuisance in travel but also poses risks to the lives of thousands.

City Traffic Police Lahore (CTPL) has announced a crackdown against overcharging and overloading by transporters during Eid holidays.

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Chief Traffic Officer (CTO) Lahore Muntazir Mehdi stated that a comprehensive plan was devised this year to stop this. He announced the deployment of at least 84 wardens at 10 major bus stations, including Lorry Ada, Badami Bagh, Babu Sabu and Niazi Chowk, among others.

CTPL has also issued directions to transporters to paste fare details at a prominent place in the vehicle. “Those overcharging from the poor public do not deserve any concession,” Mehdi added.

Mehdi directed all the circle officers to hold a meeting with transporters in their respective areas and announced that vehicles found involved in overcharging or overloading would be impounded. Mehdi added that extra officers were deployed at entry and exit points of the city. He also requested the public to call the Police Helpline 15 in case of any assistance or complaint.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 28^th, 2022.