Sindh says public transport fares will not rise after deal with transporters

KARACHI: Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah said on Sunday that public transport fares in the province would not be increased despite higher operating costs, adding that transporters had agreed to back the government’s decision.

Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Shah said the provincial government had held talks with transport owners on the issue of fares. He said that after federal directives issued two days earlier, the Sindh government had decided not to allow an increase in fares for public transport users in the province.

Shah said the government was aware of the difficulties faced by the public in relation to transport costs and had held meetings with transport operators from across Sindh. He said, Today, we met with transport owners regarding fares. Two days ago, following federal directives, we decided that fares for public transport users in Sindh would not be increased.

He added that the government had taken the concerns of low-income residents into account and had assured transporters that they would be compensated so they did not face losses. He said, We feel for every underprivileged person in the province. Transporters will not raise fares for passengers. We have also assured them that they will not suffer losses. Each bus will receive a subsidy of one hundred thousand rupees.

According to the chief minister, subsidies would be worked out in line with road routes in the province.

The development came after a sharp rise in fuel prices. On Thursday, petrol prices were increased by Rs137 per litre, taking the rate to a record Rs458.4 per litre. It was the second major increase in fuel prices in less than a month.

On Friday night, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced a reduction of Rs80 per litre in the petroleum levy on petrol.

Also on Friday, the Sindh government announced relief measures in view of rising petrol prices and the ongoing energy crisis. Under that package, registered motorcyclists across the province are to receive a monthly subsidy of Rs2,000.

Public transport and goods transport operators were also included in the relief plan, with monthly subsidies ranging from Rs70,000 to Rs100,000.

A transport owner expressed support for the provincial government’s position and said, All transporters will cooperate with the chief minister and the Sindh government.

President Intercity Transport Shabbar Khan also confirmed that transporters had decided to support the government in the current situation.