The closure of CNG stations in the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad and shortage of public transport on Friday continued to provide the taxi drivers an opportunity to hike fares with impunity.
A large number of commuters were seen on Friday arguing with the taxi drivers over unusual demand of fares.
The commuters wary of persistent monopoly of taxi drivers and public transport owners were of the opinion that authorities concerned should immediately take steps for meter installation system in these cabs.
“The CNG closure has provided them an opportunity to charge fares at their sweet will,” Faraz Ali, a private company employee waiting on Zero Point bus stop, opined.
“In the absence of public transport, the cab drivers have doubled their fares by citing non-availability of CNG,” Sameena Ghulam, a resident of Rawalpindi on T&T stop, commented. On the other hand a large number of commuters were seen stranded on various busy bus stops looking for their turns to be ferried out to their different destinations.
They lamented the attitude of civic bodies of twin cities who were not taking any concrete steps to alleviate their suffering by introducing transport services on modern basis.
“It is pathetic that despite repeated public demand and outcry over lack of efficient transport system, no one from the high ups is coming to our rescue,” Muzamil Khan, a resident of Capital opined.
“The Capital Development Authority(CDA) which had announced to introduce its own transport system by plying a number of buses to facilitate commuters failed to do so after fearing a stiff resistance from the transport owners,” Saleem Murtaza, another resident said.
