Pakistan
Transporters Raise Fare Prior to Eid-al-Fitr
Transporters district-wide have implemented fare hikes, citing recent surges in petrol prices, prior to Eid-al-Fitr celebrations.
Commuters traveling between cities now encounter additional costs ranging from Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 on all routes, with local fares also rising by Rs. 5 to Rs. 10.
The anticipated migration of residents from Rawalpindi and Islamabad is scheduled to commence this Friday, preceding Eid celebrations.
This surge in fares coincides with heightened travel activity expected during this period.
In response to concerns about overloading and overcharging during the Eid rush, the Regional Transport Authority convened a joint meeting with transport terminal owners and major operators on April 3.
Despite directives from the district administration, transporters have expressed reluctance to reduce fares.
To accommodate the influx of travelers, Pakistan Railways will initiate four special Eid trains starting Sunday, April 7.
However, the absence of Eid trains originating from Rawalpindi and Islamabad has left passengers reliant on bus transport, prompting concerns among residents.
In preparation for the increased demand, transport terminals like the General Bus Stand Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi, have completed necessary arrangements to serve travelers.
Additional coaches will be deployed to trains three days before Eid, with seating allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Transporter Asif Khan and Vice President of the Transport Federation said vehicles will be available for various destinations including Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi, and cities in Azad Kashmir.
Ticket bookings have commenced for all routes, with services operating round the clock for passenger convenience.
The fare increase is attributed not only to rising petrol prices but also to escalated vehicle costs, spare parts, and labor expenses.
Additionally, increased traffic fines and repair costs have contributed to the fare adjustments, which are expected to reflect inflationary pressures.
To enforce regulations against overloading and overcharging, the district administration has deployed police personnel at transport terminals from April 6 to April 10.
