RAWALPINDI: Despite free transport services for citizens on Metro Bus and electric buses, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) on Friday decided to increase fares for private public transport and goods transporters by 25 per cent to 37 per cent.

The decision was taken in a joint meeting convened under the co-chairmanship of Maliha Essar, Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Rawalpindi, and Secretary RTA Rawalpindi Syed Asad Abbas Shirazi, at the office of the Secretary RTA in Saddar, Rawalpindi.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Passenger Public Transport Union, all D-Class stand owners, General Bus Stand Rawalpindi Union, Local Transport Union Rawalpindi, and the Goods Forwarding Association Rawalpindi. During the meeting, the matter of fare enhancement was discussed in detail in light of the recent increase in fuel prices, approximately 54.93 per cent in diesel and 42.73 per cent in petrol.

After detailed deliberation and mutual consultation, the following fare increases were unanimously agreed in principle, subject to approval by the competent authority, local non-AC public transport fares will be increased by 25 per cent, local AC public transport by 30 per cent, inter-city AC public transport by 37 per cent, inter-city non-AC public transport by 32 per cent, and goods transport vehicles by 35 per cent.

The decision was made after considering fuel costs, operating expenses, occupancy factors and public convenience. Meanwhile, fares for inter-provincial, inter-district, and inter-city transport have also increased significantly. Transporters have started charging passengers according to the new rates, while bike services and rickshaw drivers used for local transportation have also doubled their fares.

Various private transport companies have increased fares on several routes.

Rawalpindi to Lahore from Rs2,480 to Rs3,100; Rawalpindi to Okara from Rs2,700 to Rs3,750; Rawalpindi to Bahawalnagar from Rs3,000 to Rs4,200; Rawalpindi to Peshawar from Rs1,000 to Rs1,300; Rawalpindi to Karachi from Rs8,950 to Rs10,450; and Rawalpindi to Dera Ismail Khan from Rs3,200 to Rs4,000.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi to Gujrat from Rs750 to Rs1,100; Rawalpindi to Chakwal from Rs550 to Rs750; Rawalpindi to Gujranwala from Rs1,150 to Rs1,500; and Rawalpindi to Sialkot from Rs1,400 to Rs1,900.

Similarly, bike service and rickshaw drivers have fixed the minimum fare for a distance of three to four kilometres at Rs300. Transporters say the issue is not limited to petrol prices, as the costs of mobile oil, vehicle parts, and maintenance have also increased proportionately.

Published in Dawn, April 4th, 2026