Travellers in Rawalpindi are feeling the pinch this Eid ul Fitr as transporters at all 55 major and minor bus terminals have hiked fares for suburban and long-distance routes by Rs 600 to 800 per ride.
This surge breaks a century-old tradition of families returning to their native towns to celebrate Eid together.
For families travelling from Rawalpindi and Islamabad, the total cost, including children, has skyrocketed from Rs 10,000 to Rs 20,000 for a round trip.
Meanwhile, railway fares have also gone up by 5 to 10 per cent, impacting ticket sales and leaving many commuters scrambling to adjust their travel plans.
The increase is being blamed on rising fuel prices, and transport operators warn of further disruptions if conditions don’t improve.
How much have fares increased on different routes?
All road transporters have increased fares, with public transport fares rising by Rs 300 to Rs 600.
Specific fare increases include: Rawalpindi to Lahore from Rs 2,250 to Rs 2,480, Lahore to Islamabad from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,260, Lahore to Peshawar from Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,330, Lahore to Multan from Rs 2,200 to Rs 2,400, Lahore to Faisalabad from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,400, Lahore to Sukkur from Rs 5,550 to Rs 6,100, Lahore to Hyderabad from Rs 8,650 to Rs 9,200, Lahore to Sadiqabad from Rs 3,800 to Rs 4,150 and Lahore to Dera Ghazi Khan from Rs 2,340 to Rs 2,560
While talking to the media, Amir Iqbal, a resident, said that with three or four children, it has become impossible for him to travel to places like Lahore, Sargodha, Sialkot, Multan, and Khanewal.
The total cost for a family, including travel and food expenses, has increased to Rs 20,000 to 30,000. As a result, celebrations in Rawalpindi and Islamabad will likely be the only option for many families.
On the other hand, the Vice President of the Transport Federation, Asif Khan, stated that due to the rising petrol and diesel prices, passenger numbers have decreased.
The transport business is suffering, forcing operators to increase fares. He also warned that the entire transport sector will go on strike on March 26 if the situation does not improve.
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