Right before Eid, thousands of urban dwellers visit their home towns or villages via train or bus services every year. But to be able to spend Eid with their family they are forced to pay more than what the tickets actually cost.
This year too, the prices of bus tickets have been increased by at least Rs500, while the train tickets are not only being sold at a higher price but also through the black market.
According to a recent news story, people are forced to buy tickets in the black market as they are not getting them through the proper channel. Intending travellers visiting the railway reservations office to buy tickets are being told all the tickets have been sold out. Upon leaving the office, a man contacts them and buys them the ticket at a higher price from the very same office.
Although the railway and transportation authorities promise to restrict this practice, they fail in doing so every year.
Syed Anwer Alam
Karachi
