Transport fares spike with fuel price hike

Citizens forced to limit travel as commute becomes increasingly unaffordable

RAWALPINDI:

Due to a consecutive increase in prices of petroleum products for the second time, the fares of all local long route inter-city transport across the district have been increased.

Transporters have increased the local fare to Rs50. All Suzuki and Wagon drivers operating from the city centre, Raja Bazaar, have increased the fares of all routes by Rs20 per ride. Disputes between transporters and passengers have started due to increase in public transport fares. Online motorcycle transport service providers have also increased their fares immensely. Qingqi and rickshaw drivers have also started charging arbitrary fares. The citizens of local routes appear to be worried about the increase in fares.

Transport Federation Central Vice President, Asif Khan, said the fares were reduced last month due to the reduction in the price of petroleum products. ‘Since then, the prices of petroleum products have been increased twice, which necessitated the increase in fares,’ he said.

He further said that besides the increase in the prices of petroleum products, the prices of vehicle spare parts and tires have also risen 700% in the last two years. Additionally, the toll tax has been increased. ‘Despite the dire economic situation, the transporters have only marginally increased the fares,’ he explained.

The increase in transport fares has reduced the number of passengers. Where, earlier, entire families used to travel together to attend events, now, only one or two family members opt for travelling through public rides. ‘Travelling and commuting has become expensive, the government should announce a tax-free package for the public transport industry,’ said Khan.

According to the passengers, per passenger fare from city centre stop, Raja Bazaar, to Morgah is Rs90, Raja Bazaar to Sihala is Rs100, Raja Bazaar to Rawat is Rs90, Raja Bazaar to Pirwadhai is Rs80, Saddar to Faizabad is Rs80, Rawalpindi to Bari Imam is Rs90. From Rawalpindi to other tehsils of Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahota, Gujjar Khan, the fare has been increase from Rs100 to Rs120.

Moreover, online motorcycle transport services are charging Rs200 from Saddar to Committee Chowk, Rs150 from Saddar to Kachhari, Rs150 from Saddar to Raja Bazaar. At the same time, rickshaw and taxi drivers have also increased their fares from Rs50 to Rs70.

The Rawalpindi Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has kept silent regarding the increase in fares. Certain sources within the RTA sources said it is normal to increase fares due to increase in prices of petroleum products.

Pakistan Railways has also decided to increase fares from next week.