Transporters threaten wheel-jam strike

LAHORE -  Following a record surge in the oil prices, the Inter-City transporters have announced 20 per cent increase in fares to be applicable from Wednesday (today) while the urban transporters have threatened to go on strike from Friday if the government would not fix Rs 15 as minimum fare for every 4 kilometres distance.
“The buses will not ply on the City roads from coming Friday as we don’t have money to purchase diesel to fill the tanks of the vehicles. We don’t have any other option but to suspend the operation if the government will not allow increase in fares before Thursday,� Bashir Sial, Chairman Punjab Urban Transport System said on Tuesday.
On the other hand, the public suffered a lot on Tuesday after some of the urban transporters suspended the transport facility to protest against the shocking increase in fuel prices. According to the passengers, they had to wait for a considerable time for public transport at the bus stops due to very limited transport facility available on Tuesday.
According to the transporters, the Inter-City AC buses have announced 20 per cent increase in the fares to be applicable from Wednesday (today).
However, the non AC Inter-City transporters have demanded the Punjab government to immediately announce 30 per cent increase in the fares otherwise they would also suspended the inter-city transport facility as it has become very difficult for them to continue their business.
The representatives of transport associations and unions again on Tuesday held a meeting with Punjab Transport Authority and explained their financial concerns in the wake of alarming increase in the prices of petroleum products.