Punjab govt decides against increase in public transport fares

In a major decision taken in the public interest, the Punjab government has decided that there will be no increase in public transport fares across the province.

The deputy commissioners and regional transport authorities have been assigned the task of ensuring implementation of the decision. Transporters have also expressed willingness not to raise fares. Acting on government instructions, the Transport Department obtained affidavits from transporters stating that fares would not be increased.

Several private transport companies have submitted written undertakings confirming that fares will remain unchanged.

RTA Secretary Lahore Rana Mohsin said action would be taken against those imposing arbitrary increases in fares. Raiding teams have been deployed at all bus terminals to monitor violations.

He said strict action would be taken against anyone violating the government’s decision.

Transporters had earlier increased public transport fares by five per cent on their own.