A surge in increased fares has emerged as a major concern for passengers traveling during Eidul Fitr as non-residents of Lahore head to bus and railway stations with their belongings to celebrate the festival with family, transport operators are reportedly charging arbitrary fares.
Commuters travelling from Lahore say that while the standard fare was around Rs1500 per ride, many are now being charged between Rs2500 and Rs3000.
Observers claim that transport owners are strategically parking vehicles outside the stations to create an artificial scarcity of available transport, thereby justifying the fare hikes. With little oversight from administrators or government officials, these increased charges have left travelers frustrated and financially strained.
Affected passengers are calling on the chief minister of Punjab and the minister of transport to take immediate action to regulate fare increases, ensuring that the burden on the public is eased during the festive season. Meanwhile, vehicle owners maintain that the fares are in line with government-fixed rates and argue that they are simply adhering to established policies.
