Cut price: Bus fares are now Re1 cheaper

Karachi Transport Ittehad chief wants govt to crack down on nine-seater and bike-cum rickshaws

KARACHI:

After a decrease in petroleum prices, the government and transport bodies agreed to slash one rupee off transport fares in Karachi.

The decision was made at a meeting presided over by Sindh Transport Minister Mumtaz Jakhrani at his office on Thursday. Karachi Transport Ittehad president Irshad Bukhari, office-bearers of various transport bodies, Karachi commissioner and government officials attended the meeting.

The meeting decided to retain the minimum fare of Rs10 for commuters travelling up to five kilometres. The second-category fare for commuters travelling up to 10km has been reduced from Rs15 to Rs14, and the third-category fare for commuters travelling up to 15km has also been reduced from Rs17 to Rs16.

The transport minister said that strict action will be taken against those who did not comply with the decision. Meanwhile, Irshad Bukhari termed bus fares in Karachi less than other provinces and demanded the government take action against nine-seat rickshaws and bike-cum-rickshaws. “These illegal rickshaws have not only affected our business but are creating a traffic mess in Karachi,” said Bukhari.

Jakhrani said he will write to the authorities, such as the traffic police, to take action against these illegal rickshaws. “Not only Karachi but transport fares will also be reduced in other districts of the province,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2014.