THE current price of petrol is making life difficult for the common man in a variety of ways.

I take a bus from university to home almost every day. A few days ago, I was travelling with my friend. Our pick-up and drop-off destinations were the same.

We took a bus together. My friend found a seat away from me and we both covered the journey that way. The conductor came in due course of time and charged us our respective fares. We got off at our destination together about half-an-hour later.

I was surprised when my friend remarked that the bus fares had increased again. I was surprised because I had been charged the same fare that I had paid a day earlier.

She said she had asked the conductor twice about the increase in fare, and was told that the fare had gone up. As such, she handed him additional money without much of an argument.

This is happening on a daily basis now. Either the transporters increase the fare or do not charge fairly.

It is unfair that passengers whose destinations are the same are charged differently.

The fare should be consistent and fair. The authorities concerned should look into the matter and take stern action against those charging unfair fares.

Maham Aslam
Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 30th, 2023