KARACHI, March 9: UTS Bus Operators have accused officials of the Transport and Communication Department of compelling them to overcharge passengers. However, they said, the operators were charging 25-35 per cent less than the approved fares.

They criticised the officials’ version of the situation and allegation of overcharging as ‘baseless’, and called for the setting up of a joint committee of UTS bus operators, journalists and lawyers to assess the situation and fix responsibility of the increasing traffic problems.

They clarified that the wheel-jam strike had been postponed for two weeks, i.e. until March 25, with a view to contact several other organisations of transporters to ensure an effective strike. The call would be given very soon, they added.