Punjab caps public transport fare increase at 25pc after rejecting higher proposal

RAWALPINDI: The Punjab government has turned down a proposal to raise public transport fares by as much as 37 per cent and has instead set a lower ceiling, directing that the increase should not exceed 25pc for diesel-based vehicles.

According to a notification cited in the report, the decision was taken in view of the recent rise in fuel prices and on the directions of the competent authority and the chief secretary Punjab. Under the revised limits, fares for diesel-based transport, including AC and non-AC vehicles, shall not exceed 25pc, while fares for petrol-based public service vehicles shall not exceed 10pc.

The development came after the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) in Rawalpindi, like authorities in other districts of Punjab, had decided on Friday, April 3, to increase fares for private public transport and goods transporters by 25pc to 37pc. However, later the same day, the federal government reduced petroleum prices by Rs80, after which the Punjab government issued fresh rates for public transport.

The notification made clear that the percentages fixed by the government are upper ceilings only and should not be treated as an automatic or uniform increase for every route or category. It also directed that no fare above the prescribed limits may be charged under any circumstances.

Authorities were further instructed that any fare table or chart already prepared, displayed or circulated with increases beyond the allowed limits must be revised immediately. Revised fare tables within the approved limits are to be displayed clearly at bus stands and booking counters and must be shown to enforcement staff on demand.

The government also warned that overcharging or collecting fares above the notified limits would lead to strict enforcement action under the relevant legal provisions. Assistant commissioners, traffic and enforcement staff, and other concerned officers have been asked to monitor compliance in the field and report any violations without delay.

RTA Secretary Syed Asad Shirazi said the new fare structure had been enforced in Rawalpindi with immediate effect and that transporters were not allowed to charge passengers more than the approved amount. He also said the government had already made metro bus and electric bus travel ticketless and free for the entire month.

Shirazi added that daily monitoring of public transport had begun and that a report was being sent to Lahore every night.