Hazara RTA introduces revised fares
Passengers are packed shoulder-to-shoulder inside a bus in complete violation of Covid SOPs for public transport. Photo: express
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Hazara Division on Wednesday has introduced a revised fare schedule for inter-district and inter-provincial travel, following a significant reduction in petroleum product prices.
The revised fare structure includes a series of updated rates for various routes, making travel more affordable for the residents of Hazara Division. Some prominent routes from Abbottabad to other cities include Islamabad Rs394, Rawalpindi Rs364, Lahore Rs1,419, Karachi Rs4,555, Haripur Rs131, Murree Rs222 and Muzaffarabad Rs231.
Also read: Minister promises cut in transport fares
The authorities are also taking strict measures to ensure compliance with the new fare structure, preventing any overcharging or violation of the revised rates. This is in line with directives from the provincial government to provide relief to the public.
On the same day, district administrations of Hazara division launched a grand operation to enforce the new reduced fares of intercity and inter-district public transport.
Transport authorities have also conducted inspections to enforce these new rates and regulations.
Assistant Commissioner Abbottabad, Ali Sher Khan Khilji, emphasised the strict enforcement of government orders and made it clear that no shortcuts would be taken in ensuring compliance.
Read: Transport fares stay the same despite fuel price cut
In accordance with directives from the provincial government, Assistant Commissioner Torghar, Hasrat Khan, along with the traffic staff, conducted inspections at various routes in and around Jadba Bazaar, Shaheen Bus Stand, and Myrgai, inspecting vehicles and transport vehicles operating under government fare regulations. Besides enforcing government fare regulations, stringent actions will be taken in compliance with other legal procedures.
In light of the directives from the provincial government regarding the reduction in petrol and diesel prices, Assistant Commissioner Pattan, Engineer Bilal Naseer, held a meeting with the Transport Association to discuss fare structures.
The meeting was attended by representatives from various transport sectors.
Illegal mobile vendors
In addition to transport fare reductions, local authorities have taken action against illegal mobile vendors. Under Section 144, strict measures have been implemented to discourage the purchase of mobile SIMs from unauthorized and street vendors.
These developments demonstrate a commitment to providing the public with more affordable transportation options and ensuring that the residents of Hazara Division can benefit from reduced transport fares in the wake of decreased fuel prices.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 19th, 2023.