KARACHI: Following the reduction in petroleum prices, the Punjab government has started taking steps to provide relief to commuters by lowering transport fares. However, no significant progress has so far been reported regarding a reduction in public transport fares in Karachi.
Residents of Karachi say public transport fares in the city have already increased considerably, but transport operators have not reduced their charges despite the recent cuts in petroleum prices. They have urged the Sindh government to take notice of the situation and introduce practical measures to provide relief to commuters.
Meanwhile, transport fares for passenger and goods vehicles have been significantly reduced in Rawalpindi following the decrease in petroleum prices. Under the administration’s decision, local public transport fares have been cut by 12%, intercity transport fares by 5%, and goods transport freight rates by 10%.
According to the figures, petrol prices have declined by a total of Rs39.91 per litre over the past 10 days, while high-speed diesel has become cheaper by Rs31.96 per litre during the same period.
In this regard, Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner Nadeem Nasir had issued directives to reduce transport fares. Subsequently, Regional Transport Authority Secretary Syed Asad Abbas Shirazi held a meeting with transport operators and instructed them to ensure the immediate implementation of the revised fares.
The Rawalpindi administration has also advised citizens to report any transport operator charging fares above the officially prescribed rates. Complaints can be lodged through helpline 1071.
Karachi residents maintain that if commuters in various cities of Punjab are receiving the benefit of lower petroleum prices, transport fares in Karachi should also be reviewed to ensure that local passengers receive similar relief.
