The twin cities’ residents thronged bus stations on the eve of Eidul Fitr, which they will celebrate with relatives back in their home towns. PHOTO: INP
The Islamabad Transport Authority (ITA) has been attempting to bring the hammer down on overcharging, with surprise checks at bus stands over the past two days leading to Rs49,000 in fines on transporters for overcharging.
According to an ITA press release, the authority’s secretary Khawaja Maqbool fined transporters at Faizabad, Karachi Company, Peshawar Mor and Pirwadhai bus terminals.
Route 1, 1C, 101, 121 and 105 vehicles were penalised for shortening their routes and imposing extra fares from passengers as their ‘Eid bonus’.
Maqbool said he directed ITA officials stationed around the capital to remain vigilant after receiving numerous passenger complaints about unsanctioned fare hikes.
He added some of the affected passengers have been compensated and confirmed that the ongoing drive would continue till the Eid rush subsides.
Vans from Awami Markaz in Sector F-5 and coasters from Pirwadhai were also found to have been charging Faisal Mosque-bound passengers inflated fares.
However, it seemed that the police and ITA were not on the same page.
“I informed police officials at Faisal Avenue about the transporters but they did not cooperate,” said Abbas Zaidi, a student aboard one of the coasters.
Published in The Express Tribune, August 9th, 2013.
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