Public transport fares race up by 25 percent

Soon after the increase in petroleum product prices, public transporters followed goods transporters in raising fares by 25 percent on Saturday, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

According to details, public transport operators have increased fares ranging from Rs300 to Rs600 on various routes.

Transporters have increased the fares of passenger buses, wagons and minivans by the most in the last seven years. 

The fare from Lahore to Islamabad has been raised from Rs2,670 to Rs3338, while the fare from Lahore to Peshawar has increased from Rs2,530 to Rs3,200.

Similarly, the fare from Lahore to Faisalabad has risen from Rs980 to Rs1,300.

The fare for travel from Lahore to Karachi has been raised from Rs 5,800 to Rs 7,250.

Fare from Lahore to Multan was raised from Rs1,650 to Rs2063. Lahore to Sukkur fare increased from Rs3,400 to Rs4250. 

Likewise, the fare from Lahore to Murree has increased from Rs2,290 to Rs2,863.

Fare from Lahore to Sadiqabad was increased from Rs2430 to Rs3,038.

 Passengers present at the bus terminal said that in the current wave of inflation, even traveling through public transport has become extremely difficult.

They added that attending family events or traveling for personal matters has turned into a serious challenge for ordinary citizens.

Commuters said a poor person is now forced to choose between feeding his children two meals a day and spending money on travel.

Transporters, however, argued that with the increase in petroleum prices, the cost of spare parts has also risen sharply.

They maintained that without increasing fares, they would be forced to stop operating their vehicles.

Citizens have demanded that the government immediately reduce petrol prices, warning that otherwise a new wave of inflation could hit the country.

Also Read: Goods transporters announce 20pc hike in fares after fuel price surge

Intra-city fares go up in Sindh

After the increase in petroleum prices, intra-city fares in Karachi have also been increased.

The fare from Karachi to Larkana has been increased from Rs1,500 to Rs1,800, the fare from Shikarpur has increased from Rs1,500 to Rs1,700, the fare from Jhang and Fort Abbas has increased from Rs3,200 to Rs3,500, and the fare from Bahawalnagar has increased from Rs2,500 to Rs3,000.

Reporters: Saeed Ahmad Saeed and Osama Malik