The inter-city bus fare – an increase of Rs 200 affair

KARACHI – Troubles continue to mount for the residents of Karachi as inter-city bus fares have also gone up by around Rs 200 per seat following the increase in fuel prices, particularly disconcerting those who frequently leave the city to visit their hometowns.
The fares of passenger buses that travel to the interior parts of Sindh, Balochistan and other destinations have been increased at all inter-city bus terminals of the city.
The Lahore-bound buses that leave from the Cantt Station are charging Rs 1,700 per seat against Rs 1,500 being charged before.
Some bus operators are also charging Rs 1,900 for the same route. The passengers are not issued any tickets and the booking takes place manually. The passengers have little options but to pay whatever amount the transporters demand.
The buses at the Taj Medical Complex in Saddar that leave for the interiors parts of Sindh including Dadu, Sukkur, Larkana, Jacobabad, Benazirabad (Nawabshah), Naushehro Feroz, Khairpur and Mirpurkhas have also increased fares.
Operators of air-conditioned coaches have increased their fares from Rs 220 to Rs 400 for Nawabshah and from Rs 500 to Rs 700 for Larkana.
The fare for Rawalpindi has increased from Rs 1,800 to Rs 2,200.
The bus operators’ employees at the booking counters in Saddar and Sohrab Goth said that the fares have been increased keeping in view the recent increase in fuel prices. “The bus operators have also issued a new fare list,” they said, however, this list has not been notified by the provincial government yet.
The transporters also increase fares on occasions such as the Eid season without seeking approval from the relevant government officials, who, in any case, do not show any interest in taking any action over this matter as their palms are greased on a regular basis.
Abdul Sattar, a passenger travelling from Larkana to Karachi, told Pakistan Today that he paid Rs 600 instead of earlier fare of Rs 450 for a seat.
“The transporters increase fares without any authority’s permission and even then they provide unsatisfactory services,” he complained.
Sattar demanded that the government should keep the ‘transport mafia’ in check and ensure that people are able to avail travelling facilities at proper charges.