People ride an overcrowded bus while returning to their hometowns ahead of Eid in Lahore. Photo: AFP
LAHORE/RAWALPINDI:
The annual Eidul Fitr exodus is in full swing across the country, but for many travellers, the road home has become a test of patience, as transporters make hay while the sun shines, jacking up fares amid soaring inflation and fuel costs.
Bus terminals in Lahore, Rawalpindi and other major cities are teeming with passengers, with families, students and labourers scrambling for tickets.
However, the festive rush has come with a sting in the tail, with widespread complaints of overcharging as commuters say they are being taken for a ride and made to pay well above officially notified fares.
The fare spiral follows a sharp hike in petroleum prices earlier this month, when the government raised petrol and high-speed diesel by around Rs55 per litre, pushing petrol past Rs320 per litre.
The increase, driven by global oil volatility amid the Middle East crisis, has pushed transport costs through the roof, giving operators further cover to pass the buck to already stretched passengers.
Following the increase, transporters across several routes raised fares by 20 to 25 per cent, with intercity tickets on major routes jumping by Rs300 to Rs600, depending on distance. On high-demand routes ahead of Eid, passengers say fares have climbed even higher, particularly for last-minute bookings.
At bus stands, travellers complain that overcharging has become routine during the Eid season, with some operators taking advantage of the rush and weak enforcement. Many passengers reported paying inflated fares due to limited availability, while others pointed to ticket black marketing and overcrowded buses.
However, transporters defend the increases, arguing that higher diesel prices, maintenance costs and inflation have made fare adjustments unavoidable during peak travel periods.
Amid mounting complaints, the Punjab government has ordered a province-wide crackdown on transporters charging excessive fares.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed authorities to take strict legal action against violators and ensure compliance with officially notified fare limits across all districts.
Deputy commissioners have been tasked with monitoring transport operations at major terminals and along intercity routes, while officials have been instructed to prevent ticket black marketing and ensure fare lists are prominently displayed.
Authorities have also been directed to carry out continuous inspections during peak travel days to enforce compliance and deter overcharging.
Despite these measures, passengers say violations persist, particularly on busy routes where demand far exceeds supply.
