A sharp increase in petroleum prices has led to an immediate surge in public transport fares across Pakistan, putting additional financial pressure on commuters.
Transporters have raised fares on their own, while authorities scramble to regulate the situation.
Following the increase in petroleum product prices, public transporters have implemented a self-imposed rise in fares across multiple cities.
Intercity fares have jumped significantly, with some routes increasing from Rs1,000 to Rs2,500, creating what many are calling a “fare bomb” for the public.
Major increase in intercity fares
In Lahore, fares on several major routes have seen steep increases. The Lahore to Karachi fare has risen from Rs8,600 to Rs12,000.
Similarly, fares from Lahore to Islamabad increased from Rs3,000 to Rs4,000, while Lahore to Peshawar fares went up from Rs3,500 to Rs4,600.
Other routes also witnessed sharp hikes, including Lahore to Sargodha (Rs1,550 to Rs2,550), Lahore to Faisalabad (Rs1,350 to Rs2,350), Lahore to Rahim Yar Khan (Rs4,250 to Rs5,300), and Lahore to Murree (Rs3,300 to Rs4,500).
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The fare for Lahore to Multan has also increased from Rs2,800, reflecting the broader upward trend.
Despite the surge, the secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Lahore stated that these fare increases have not been officially approved yet. He confirmed that new fare lists are being prepared in consultation with transporters and will be finalized according to the increase in petroleum prices.
Rana Mohsin also assured that arbitrary fare hikes will be stopped once official rates are notified.
Karachi sees increase in local transport fares
In Karachi, the impact of rising fuel prices has also been felt in local transport. Bus and minibus fares have been increased by Rs10 to Rs20. Eight-seater rickshaw fares have also gone up by Rs10, adding to commuters’ daily expenses.
Reports of arguments between passengers and conductors have surfaced in several areas due to the sudden increase in fares.
Rawalpindi approves percentage-based hikes
In Rawalpindi, a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority resulted in agreed fare increases based on rising fuel costs. A 25% increase in local non-AC fares and a 30% increase in local AC transport fares were approved.
For intercity travel, fares have increased by 37% for AC transport and 32% for non-AC services. Additionally, goods transport fares have been raised by 35%.
Transporters justified the increases by pointing to the steep rise in fuel prices. According to their stance, diesel prices have increased by 54.93%, while petrol prices have risen by 42.73%.
They had initially demanded a 60% increase in fares to offset operational costs.
The Rawalpindi meeting was attended by representatives from the Public Transport Union, D-class bus stand owners, General Bus Stand Union, Local Transport Union, and the Goods Forwarding Association.
The discussions focused on balancing rising operational costs with public affordability.
