Crackdown on transport owners for overcharging passengers

BUREWALA: In line with directives from Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the district administrations and traffic police have been instructed to closely monitor public transportation at bus terminals and on highways to ensure adherence to prescribed fares during Eid days.

In Burewala, Assistant Commissioner Malik Farooq Ahmad, under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Imrana Tauqeer, visited the local bus stand to engage with passengers and ensure that fare charts were prominently displayed.

He announced the establishment of complaint cells at bus terminals to facilitate passengers in lodging grievances. He emphasised that strict legal action, including arrest and fine, would be taken against transport owners found guilty of overcharging.

In Vehari, Secretary Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Kamran Anwar inspected buses at terminals and along various highways to verify fare compliance. He personally inquired from the passengers about the fares being charged. The operation led to the inspection of over 200 vehicles, resulting in fines totaling Rs 77,500 imposed on those overcharging, and Rs 16,500 reimbursed to the passengers, who had been overcharged. Anwar underscored that, in line with the Punjab government’s instructions, efforts were under way to ensure the implementation of fares during Eidul Fitr.