Transporters ignore fuel price cuts

Cite rising costs of spare parts, tyres and vehicles as barriers to fare reductions

RAWALPINDI:

Despite a significant reduction in petrol and diesel prices due to the federal government's recent global market adjustments, transport operators in Rawalpindi have not lowered their fares. In response, the Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), under special instructions from the commissioner, has mandated a 10% reduction in fares.

The government's fourth consecutive cut in fuel prices has not yet translated into lower fares for passengers, according to recent reports. Deputy Commissioner Hassan Waqar Cheema has directed all Assistant Commissioners and the Secretary of the RTA to conduct inspections and enforce the fare reduction.

Secretary of RTA, Arshad Ali, reported that a 10% fare reduction has been implemented on several routes, with minimum fares now set at Rs40. For routes where fares have not been reduced, inspectors have been instructed to enforce compliance, with penalties and vehicle impoundments for non-compliance.

The fare reduction extends to intercity routes, including those between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, as well as destinations like Murree, Kotli Sattian, Kahuta, Gujar Khan, Kallar Syedan and Taxila. A revised fare list is expected to be distributed to transport associations within two days.

Despite these measures, a survey indicated that as of Monday evening, no routes had yet implemented fare reductions. Motorcycle taxi operators have also failed to adjust their fares.

Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, commented that the reduction in petrol prices alone is insufficient. He pointed out that spare parts, tyres and vehicles have become significantly more expensive, and traffic fines and repair costs have also increased.