Transport fares drop after fuel price cut

RAWALPINDI:

Following the ceasefire agreement between Iran and the United States and the subsequent reduction in petrol and diesel prices by the government, transport fares in the open market have declined significantly.

Goods transportation charges have dropped by 15pc while public transport fares have been reduced by 13pc.

The stop-to-stop fare of wagons, minibuses, coasters and Qingqi rickshaws has been reduced from Rs50 to Rs40. Pick-and-drop charges for students and working women have also been cut by Rs500 to Rs1,000.

Bikea motorcycle service has reduced its fare from Rs200 to Rs150, triggering a wave of relief among citizens.

However, traders and residents expressed dissatisfaction, saying fuel prices had not been reduced in proportion to the earlier increases.

They demanded that fares be cut at the same rate at which they were increased when fuel prices surged at the start of the conflict.

The secretary of the Regional Transport Authority said a meeting of transporters had been called to determine fare reduction rates on all routes. A notification would be issued accordingly and implementation ensured.