Fares increased due to raise in oil prices

The fare has been increased by New Khan, Daewoo, Monolite, Sial Express, Niazi Express and other inter-city bus companies in the city. The wagon owners however, have not so far increased the fare. The transport companies had increased the stop to stop fare last month but deferred it voluntarily following wagon owners decision not to increase the fare. In a competitive atmosphere created by them the private transport companies withdrew their decision. However, they have now again increased the fare caring little for any reaction and got it approved by the Punjab Transport Department.

The transport companies increased the fare following a decision in their meeting to increase the fare without after the increase in petroleum products. They maintained that they would certainly increase the fare unilaterally if, however, the government did not allow them to do so. According to new fares, the commuters have to pay Rs 10, Rs 15, and Rs 20 for various destinations on city roads. A commuter has to pay Rs 20 from Sanda to RA Bazar or Airport while it was Rs 13 previously. The unwary public particularly the students, labourers and industrial workers are hard hit by the increased fare. They have pleaded that the government should announced special concession for these classes while allowing increase in the fare.