Transport Mafia Overcharging Passengers Ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, Passengers Left Struggling at Bus Terminals
LAHORE (Tanveer Media) – As Eid-ul-Fitr draws near, passengers across the country, particularly from Lahore, are facing distress due to overcharging by the transport mafia. Travelers heading to their hometowns for the festive season are being subjected to excessive fares, causing chaos and frustration at bus terminals.
Reports have emerged that transporters are issuing over 20 tickets per seat, leading to overcrowding and long waits for passengers. Many travelers have complained of waiting for hours, only to be told they must pay additional charges to board their buses. This has caused significant inconvenience, particularly for women and children, as overcrowding becomes more rampant. Additionally, transporters are reportedly charging extra fees for luggage, further aggravating the situation.
However, transporters have denied the allegations of overcharging, claiming that the surge in passengers due to Eid festivities has led to a shortage of available vehicles. They argued that buses returning from major cities like Rawalpindi and Islamabad are often empty, as there is less demand for tickets to those areas, making it necessary to increase fares by around 20% to cover operational costs.
In response to these complaints, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has ordered a crackdown on transporters charging excessive fares. She instructed authorities to take strict legal action against those found violating fare regulations and ensure that fare lists are prominently displayed at bus terminals for public awareness.