Commuters’ woes persist despite Metro Bus success

While the introduction of metro buses has undoubtedly eased the commute for many in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, the daily grind continues to be marred by the discourteous behaviour of drivers and conductors on routes not serviced by these buses.

Numerous commuters, including the elderly, have expressed frustration over the impolite and indecent conduct of drivers and conductors, particularly those operating on the Islamabad Expressway and highway. Complaints range from frequent altercations over unfair charging to confrontations about self-inflated fares, even after a notable reduction in petroleum prices.

Muhammad Zareen Bacha, employed at a private firm in Blue Area, singled out public van No 136, highlighting the illiteracy of conductors and their reluctance to provide fare lists when requested by passengers, often leading to unauthorized extra charges.

Ayesha Jabeen, a housewife, echoed these concerns, lamenting the lack of checks on rude behaviour and overcrowding in public vans, where additional passengers are often compelled to board without consideration for the designated seats for women.

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Furthermore, observations revealed that certain vans equipped with CNG cylinders were charging fares equivalent to those designated for petrol and diesel usage.

Zubair Talha, a student at NUML University, highlighted the lack of safety checks on these CNG kits and the absence of oversight on fares by relevant authorities.

Talha also noted the prolonged stays of these vans at various stops, causing unnecessary delays and wasting commuters' precious time.

In response to these issues, commuters are urging authorities to mandate the display of fare lists by van drivers and conduct random checks to ensure a hassle-free travel experience on these routes.

As the twin cities continue to grapple with public transport challenges, calls for increased regulatory scrutiny and oversight are growing louder among daily commuters seeking a more comfortable and reliable transportation system.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2023