Transporters fleece people going home for Eid celebration

Islamabad
Bus stands in twin cities remained overcrowded on last working day before Eidul Azha as people left for their hometowns to celebrate the festive occasion with their dear and near ones. And taking full advantage of the situation, public transporters continuously charged extra fares from the passengers who were striving hard to get seats for their destinations.
Every year, transporters charge extra fares on Eid vacations from passengers as the concerned authorities have turned a blind eye towards the issue adding to the miseries of general public.
Besides long route vans and buses, local route transporters also charge extra from the residents who want to visit their relatives in different parts of city or plan to go to public places parts or other recreational places to celebrate the event.
Talking to this agency, Faisal Chaudhary an employee of a private company said, “We do not get any extra money on Eid from our offices but these transporters charge extra fares to earn more money.” He said everywhere around the world special discount packages are announced on festivals but unfortunately here businessmen charge extra prices on clothes and shoes and the common man especially salaried class has to bear all these expenses in their meagre income.
On Eid these transport fares bound people to stay at homes rather than having fun with other relatives, friends or enjoying family moments at recreational spots, he further said.
Another traveller, Haji Luqman said transporters are charging extra fares as they knew that people are compelled to meet their demand and openly claim it an Eidi for their services.
He said authorities should take proper steps to stop this black mailing of transport mafia who are taking advantage of people grievances and putting an extra burden on their pockets.
Mumtaz Ahmad, a van driver sharing his views said: “I send all my family members to hometown and i am spending Eid here alone just to provide transport to local residents of the city.”
He further said, “I convinced my family that I will bring new clothes for all of them and spend lot of time with them after Eid. It could only be possible if I raise only Rs10 to 20 from each passenger, which is not a big amount on individual level, but collectively I will get a handsome amount.”