RTA to issue route permits for pick & drop services

The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Rawalpindi has announced plans to issue route permits for transport vehicles providing pick-and-drop services on highways, including those catering to government and private educational institutions. The decision aims to regulate such services while ensuring compliance with vehicle registration, token tax payments, fitness certificates, and route-specific operational guidelines.

The RTA secretary's office has started accepting applications for these permits from transporters and individuals offering pick-and-drop services for government, semi-government, and private organisations, as well as educational institutions.

According to officials, many private operators currently provide these services between Rawalpindi and Islamabad, supporting employees and students. However, these vehicles often face challenges such as penalties from the City Traffic Police (CTP), National Highway Police (NHP), and Punjab Patrolling Police (PPP) due to the absence of proper route permits.

Streamlined process

To address these issues, the administration has decided to streamline the process and issue route permits to commercial transport vehicles used for pick-and-drop services. The Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Rawalpindi, Rashid Ali, stated that actions had been taken against such vehicles by the City Traffic Police (CTP), National Highway Police (NHP), and Punjab Patrolling Police (PPP). As a result, many transporters and organisations have approached the RTA requesting open route permits for their shift service vehicles.

However, open route permits are not allowed under motor vehicle rules. As a solution, it has been decided to issue route permits to vehicles used for shift services based on their specific routes to allow them to continue their operations on highways without unnecessary interference from traffic authorities.

Vehicles providing pick-and-drop services for educational institutions will also require route-specific permits, ensuring their operations remain uninterrupted. Applicants must submit detailed information, including vehicle registration (commercial or private), token tax clearance, fitness certification, and the designated routes of operation.

Ali went on to say that for transport vehicles providing pick-and-drop services for educational institutions, the permits would be granted according to their regional routes. Vehicle owners and transporters will be required to provide vehicle registration details, such as, whether the vehicle is commercial or private, token tax, fitness clearance, and details of the routes where the services are provided. A committee comprising members of the RTA, traffic police, and other authorities will review each case and issue route permits accordingly.

Impact on transporters

This initiative aims to provide legal protection to transporters and enhance the security of employees and students utilising these services. However, transporters have expressed concerns over the financial burden associated with the new system.

One transporter told The Express Tribune that his family's livelihood depends on providing pick-and-drop services. While he is willing to comply with the permit requirements, he fears the additional costs may worsen financial hardships, especially given the economic challenges faced by the working class.