TAXILA: The District Transport Authority (DTA) Attock notified a five percent reduction on all intercity routes of the district o Sunday. The step has been taken to give relief to commuters travelling on public transport after the last slashing of Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) prices by the caretaker government.

A meeting, chaired by DTA Attock Chairman Rao Atif Raza, was held on Sunday, which was attended by Assistant Commissioner city Shagufta Jabeen, District Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Attock Secretary Zaheer Ahmed Khan, as well as Adda managers and prominent transporters.

During the meeting, the managers and transporters were advised by the officials to bring down fares on all intercity routes after a decrease in the prices of petroleum products, especially diesel, on December 15.

After a prolonged one-hour discussion between the officials and transporters, it was decided that the fares would be reduced by five percent on all routes.

Subsequently, a revised fare list was notified with the consultation of all stakeholders.

On this occasion, Mr Raza directed the officials of DTA, assistant commissioners of all six tehsils, and traffic police to play a proactive role in facilitating this adjustment.

While briefing the newsmen about the developments made in the officials-transporters negotiations, the chairman stated that the transporters were asked to reduce the public transport fares in proportion to the reduction in petrol, and now they have agreed to decrease the fares.

He was of the view that during this month the government has brought down the petrol and HSD prices twice, as on October 1, petrol price was cut by Rs 8 per litre and HSD by Rs 11 per litre. Then, on October 16, the petrol price was reduced by Rs 40 per litre and the HSD by Rs 15 per litre.

“So we want to transfer the benefit to commuters through a reduction in fares,” Mr Raza remarked.

In this regard, banners regarding the new fare list would be displayed on Monday at all bus stands in prominent places to announce a reduction in fares, the chairman added.

Mr Raza further said, “Whenever the prices of POL rose, the transport sector increased transportation fares, and now it is time that the transporters should provide relief to the masses by reducing their fares.”

Mr Zaheer Ahmed Khan, while speaking on this occasion, stated that surprise checks on the fares on different routes would commence on Monday. He added that those who would violate the fare list or if indulgence in charging exorbitant fares was found would be dealt with as per law.

While responding to a question, Mr Khan said that in the second phase, efforts will be made to reduce the fares of goods transport, and the transporters will be convinced to reduce the fares.

Published in Dawn, December 18th, 2023