Burgeoning taxi fares and shortage of local transport on different routes have created problems for the masses. Due to lack of public transport alternatives, people have been using taxis to reach their destinations. These taxi drivers normally charge approximately Rs 25 per kilometre. However whenever CNG is unavailable, their rates skyrocket. Metre systems have not been installed in taxis and no fare charts are available. Passengers were of the view that taxi drivers charged a high fare because of the high cost of petrol, however almost all taxi vehicles use CNG.
Saima, a passenger, said that females had to face a lot of problems bargaining with taxi drivers and only front seats were available for ladies in public transport.
Ali Akbar, a taxi driver, said that maintenance charges had increased and CNG was not sold for three or four days every week and whenever it was available, they had to wait in long queues.
