Rs160m refunded to passengers overcharged by transporters

During the crackdown on overcharging by transporters, the Sindh government has refunded Rs159.97 million to passengers. The transport authorities have inspected 5,294 vehicles in various operations, issuing challans against 3,979 of them.

Transport & Mass Transit Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon said the arbitrariness of transporters would not be tolerated under any circumstances, and indiscriminate action would continue against those charging excessive fares.

Memon emphasised that the campaign to regulate fares would continue during Eidul Fitr to ensure relief for the public. He said strict legal action is being taken against transporters charging excessive fares, and no one would be exempt.

He stressed that an effective strategy has been implemented to protect passengers from overcharging by transporters, and no negligence would be tolerated in this regard.

He told the transport authorities to remain vigilant at bus stands and highways, saying that no one would be allowed to exploit the public, and that the law applies equally to all. He urged people to immediately report anyone charging excessive fares.

During the crackdown on transporters charging excessive fares for Eidul Fitr, Rs5.588 million was refunded to the public. The authorities took action between March 24 and March 30 at the Karachi Toll Plaza, in Yousuf Goth, in Quaidabad, at the Punjab Adda and at the Karachi Bus Terminal.

Action was also taken on the complaints of people travelling in over 2,500 passenger vehicles. Sindh Chief Secretary Syed Asif Haider Shah ordered strict action against transporters charging excessive fares.

Shah told all the deputy commissioners and transport officials to monitor and stop excessive charging of fares during Eid. He said that besides refunding fares to the passengers, action should be taken against transporters, and the fixed fares must be prominently displayed at every bus stand.