Days after threatening an immediate increase in transport fares for the twin cities by the same percentage with which the prices of petroleum products go up, public and goods transport operators have jacked up transport charges, causing concerns for commuters in the twin cities.
With no effective control system in place, citizens are in a state of shock over the abrupt surge in essential items’ prices.
Stop-to-stop fares for routes between Rawalpindi and Islamabad have risen to Rs50, while travel from Rawalpindi to Rawat now costs passengers between Rs140 to Rs170.
Similarly, the fare from Rawalpindi Railway Station to Katchehri Chowk ranges between Rs50 and Rs60, while travel cost from Rawalpindi to Taxila has soared to Rs160, after a 20-rupee hike. The rising costs have also impacted motorcycle-based ride-hailing services’ fares.
Read Petrol, diesel witness massive price hikes
Yasir Majeed, a regular commuter between Islamabad and Rawalpindi, expressed his concerns, stating that he typically spends Rs100 for a one-way trip, but now faces unexpected fare hikes.
Majeed's daily transportation expenses have surged to Rs300 rupees, totalling Rs7,200 per month. With a monthly income of Rs30,000, he says he faces challenges covering house rent, school fees for two children, kitchen expenses, and other bills.
Abdul Wasey, a ride-hailing service provider voiced his concerns about the challenges posed by soaring living costs. Earning a monthly income of Rs30,000, Wasey struggles to manage his expenses amidst surging electricity bills and a rapid double increase in petrol prices within two weeks.
Furthermore, intercity transport fares have also surged, burdening low-income families in the region.
AC and non-AC bus fares have seen spikes ranging from Rs500 to Rs3,500. Goods transporters have also increased their rates by an additional Rs200 rupees per 10 kilometres. This has triggered price hikes in essential items such as milk, meat, vegetables, fruits, and other goods.
According to sources, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has noted the situation and intends to take action against those imposing exorbitant fares.
While petrol prices have surged twice in two weeks, the Punjab government has not yet issued updated fare notifications. They said previous fares are being enforced until new guidelines are provided, and vehicles may be seized for overcharging.
Metrobus, railways raise fares
Moreover, both Pakistan Railways and the Pakistan Metrobus System have decided to raise fares.
The fare for the metro bus is expected to rise from Rs30 to Rs50, with the fare to Islamabad International Airport increasing to Rs90.
Similarly, in response to the fare hikes, Pakistan Railways has not only raised passenger fares but also increased package product fees by 10 per cent.
The Rawalpindi Transport Federation and Public Transport Union had threatened to announce an immediate increase in transport fares for the twin cities, suburban areas, and long routes if the prices of petroleum products were jacked up.
The transporters stated that the continuous increase in the prices of petrol and diesel was unbearable and unacceptable. “Instead of increasing the rates of petrol, diesel, gas and electricity, transparent elections should be held within 90 days,” they said.
They said the constant increase in the price of petrol and diesel over the past one and half months has harmed the transporters. “If the petrol rate is increased, the intra-city stop-to-stop fare will be set at Rs60 and the minimum fare within the inner route will be set at Rs100,” they warned.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 17th, 2023.
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