Illegal bus stands removed on Sharjeel’s orders

Penalties imposed on transporters charging excessive fares

KARACHI:

On the directives of Sindh Minister for Information, Transport, and Mass Transit, the transport department eliminated numerous illegal bus stands in Karachi.

According to details, the transport department took action against unauthorised bus stands at various locations in Karachi, including Taj Complex, Saddar, Rainbow Center, and Sagheer Hussain Shaheed Road.

Following the instruction, the department also cracked down on transporters who were charging excessive fares during the Eid-ul-Adha festivals in different districts and imposed fines on them.

Similarly, strict actions were taken by the transport department in several other cities and towns, including Hyderabad, Mirpurkhas, Benazirabad, Sukkur, Larkana, Thatta, Badin, Tharparkar, Umarkot, Sanghar, Nowshehro Feroze, Ghotki, Khairpur, Jacobabad, Shikarpur, and Dadu.

Moreover, the department's officials also collected excessive fares from the transporters and returned the amount to the passengers. A total of 489 vehicles were inspected, and necessary actions were taken based on the complaints made by the passengers.

Penalties of up to Rs147,000 was imposed on those found charging exorbitant fares. Additionally, an amount of Rs3,23,000 was retrieved from the transporters as excess fare, which was then refunded to the passengers.

Expressing his commitment to providing relief to the public, Sharjeel stated that the Sindh government will not forgive those who cause inconvenience to the passengers.

Transport Secretary, Salim Rajput, confirmed that the campaign against overcharging will continue even after Eid.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 26^th, 2023.