E-bus conductor caught pocketing fares

Viral video shows suspect collecting fares without issuing tickets

RAWALPINDI:

Allegations of corruption have surfaced against staff operating Rawalpindi's newly launched electric buses, after a viral video showed a conductor collecting fares from passengers without issuing tickets.

The Punjab government took strict notice and halted the operational bus for checking, where the allegations proved correct.

A case has been registered against the conductor under charges of criminal breach of trust and sections of the Punjab Motor Vehicle Ordinance.

According to sources, the Punjab government launched electric green buses in Rawalpindi to improve public transportation.

After their inauguration last month by Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, the buses began operating at full load on four major routes. Travel for women, senior citizens, small children and students has been kept free. The service has been outsourced, similar to the Metro Bus system.

A passenger recorded a video showing the conductor collecting fares without issuing tickets or receipts and shared it online.

Following a strong reaction at the provincial level, an inquiry team stopped an operational bus near Liaquat Bagh on Murree Road and asked passengers whether they had paid fares.

They confirmed payment but said they had not received tickets.

Checking team head Azhar Nawab lodged a complaint with the City Police Station, stating that during the inspection of electric bus EV-24, it was found that the conductor had received fares without issuing tickets or recording the amounts, thus committing breach of trust. City Police have registered a case against conductor Haider Ali under Section 409 and relevant sections of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, and begun investigations.