Transport terminal operators in the district have raised fares by Rs100 to Rs300 on all routes ahead of Eidul Fitr, citing increased petroleum prices. Local route fares have also seen a hike of Rs5 to Rs10.
The surge in fares comes as residents from Rawalpindi and Islamabad prepare to depart for their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their families. With Tuesday being the final working day before Eid, early departures are expected due to the ensuing weekend holidays.
In response to directives from the district administration, the Regional Transport Authority secretary has called for a crucial joint meeting with transport terminal owners and major transporters. The aim is to address concerns of overloading and overcharging during Eid transport, although transporters have been resistant to reducing fares.
Pakistan Railways will operate four special Eid trains starting from Sunday, April 7, all of which are fully booked. This has led to the closure of train seat bookings two days before Eid, shifting the traffic burden to general transport vehicles.
There are concerns among passengers from Rawalpindi as no Eid trains are scheduled from there this year. As a result, residents from Rawalpindi and Islamabad rely on bus transport. To accommodate the surge, additional coaches will be added to each train three days before Eid, with seats allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at the station.
