As Eid ul Fitr draws near, traveling between cities becomes pricier. Transporters have raised fares citing the recent petrol price hike. Commuters now face an additional burden of Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 on all routes, with local fares also increasing by Rs. 5 to Rs. 10.
Residents of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are expected to leave for Eid celebrations starting this Friday, with the last working day before Eid falling on Tuesday, April 9. The fare increase comes ahead of anticipated high travel activity during this period.
Responding to concerns about overloading and overcharging during the Eid rush, the Regional Transport Authority has called a joint meeting with transport terminal owners and major transporters on April 3. Despite directives from the district administration, transporters seem reluctant to reduce fares.
To cope with the surge in travelers, Pakistan Railways will start four special Eid trains from Sunday, April 7. However, the absence of Eid trains from Rawalpindi and Islamabad leaves passengers reliant on buses, raising concerns.
Transport terminals, including the General Bus Stand Pirwadhai, Rawalpindi, are preparing to cater to the increased demand. Extra coaches will be added to trains three days before Eid, with seats given on a first-come, first-served basis.
According to Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, vehicles are available for various destinations, including Peshawar, Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Karachi, and cities in Azad Kashmir. Ticket bookings have begun for all routes, with services operating round the clock.
The fare hike is attributed not just to rising petrol prices but also to increased vehicle costs, spare parts, and labor expenses. Additionally, higher traffic fines and repair costs contribute to the fare adjustment, reflecting inflationary pressures.
Police personnel are deployed at transport terminals from April 6 to April 10 to enforce regulations against overloading and overcharging. Transporters have also announced separate charges for luggage and mandatory tickets for eight-year-old children, effective immediately.
