105 PSVs impounded for overcharging

Rawalpindi: On public complaints, Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has impounded 105 Private Service Transport (PST) vehicles (buses, wagons and Suzuki pickups) for charging excessive fares and overloading. The concerned authority has also challaned 604 vehicles and imposed fine of Rs428,300 on them.

The drivers and conductors of Public Service Transport (PST) were violating fare list issued by Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and charging Rs15 stop-to-stop fare against the fixed fare of Rs12.

District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA) Secretary Khalid Yameen Satti told ‘The News’ that they have launched a crackdown against private transporters for overcharging and overloading.

He said four teams have been to impound vehicles that are found overcharging and overloading. Action against violators will continue,” he warned.

Quarrels between passengers and the transporters had become a routine issue. The reliable sources said that affected passengers filed application with the office of DC Rawalpindi Saifullah Dogar against overcharging and overloading.

Muttahidda Transport Welfare Association (MTWA) President Ghulam Mustafa strongly condemned overcharging and overloading.

The official fares for non-air conditioned inter-city public transport wagons and mini-buses is Rs12 stop-to-stop, Rs15 up to four kilometres. From 4.1 kilometres up to eight kilometres, the fare has been set at Rs16. For distances of up to 14 kilometres, a fare of Rs20 has been set. For distances up to 22 kilometres, a fare of Rs24 has been set. A fare of Rs28 has been set for distances from 22.1km to 30kms and Rs35 have been set for distances more than 35 kilometres.