LAHORE: Commuters across Punjab on Saturday experienced immediate relief at the ticket window after public transport operators slashed fares by 25%, following a steep reduction in diesel prices of Rs.135 per litre.
Media sources close to the provincial government said the cut was implemented unilaterally by transporters and took effect province‑wide from today. The Punjab Transport Department has not yet issued an official notification on the change, but operators moved quickly to pass on savings to passengers.
The reduction applies to passenger services, the sources said, and comes amid wider adjustments in the transport sector: the Goods Transporters Association announced a 40% cut in freight rates, while the Mini Mazda Goods Transport Association reduced fares by 25%.
Goods transport owners announce 40% cut in freight following steep diesel price fall
Provincial officials confirmed that the Transport Department has convened a meeting with representatives of public and goods transport associations to discuss the fare changes and consider any further reductions. No date for that meeting was disclosed.
Commuters welcomed the move as timely respite from rising living costs. Transport operators, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the cuts were feasible because the substantial petrol and diesel price rollback immediately lowered operating costs.
Analysts said the informal, rapid adoption of lower fares highlights both the transport sector’s responsiveness to fuel-price volatility and the absence of a formal, centrally administered fare-adjustment mechanism in the province. They, however, cautioned that sustainability of the reduced fares will depend on future fuel prices and any regulatory guidance from the provincial transport authority.
