Big Relief: Transport Fares to be Slashed in Punjab – How Big Is the Reduction?

It is an old tradition in our country that whenever petrol prices go up, transporters’ fares rise immediately. This time, however, the script has flipped. Following a massive drop in petrol and diesel prices on January 1st, this time the public has raised its voice, demanding that transporters reduce fares with the same urgency they raise them during fuel price hikes.

Punjab Takes Action: Transport Fares Cut by 5%

The Punjab government has listened to these demands. The Provincial Transport Department has mandated an immediate 5% fare reduction across Punjab and has issued strict directives to all transporters. Under the new ruling, intercity fares from Lahore will decrease by 60 to 200 rupees, with proportionate reductions applied in other cities as well.

In a recent broadcast, a Geo News reporter stated that the Punjab government’s message was strict and clear. Following the orders, the transporters’ association has called a meeting to formally agree to a 5% reduction across all public transport.

He also said that relief has already started in some places. In Kasur district, transporters have already lowered their fares by 5%. In other districts, the new rates will be implemented very soon, as the government is pushing hard for them.

Other Provinces Lagging Behind 

The situation is different in other provinces. Surprisingly, despite the nationwide drop in fuel costs, no other provincial government has taken similar action yet.

For example, in Sindh, commuters are still paying the old rates for both city and intercity buses. A Geo News reporter in the broadcast sheds light on the reason for this delay. He reports that the committee responsible for setting fares in the Sindh Transport Department has been inactive since 2016. Because this committee is not functioning, there is currently no official policy or system in Sindh to adjust fares when fuel prices change.

There is a glimmer of hope for Sindh. Officials told the reporter that a request to reactivate this fare committee has been made. It will be presented in the next cabinet meeting. If approved, the Sindh government will finally have the power to adjust transport fares according to the rise and fall of petrol prices.

The situation is similar in other provinces. As of the time of publishing, there has been no news from KPK or Balochistan regarding fare cuts. So far, Punjab is the only province where transport fares are being reduced.