SWABI, Jan 17: The district administration and transporters have failed to break the stalemate over new fare list.

Fare of public transport vehicles was increased of late but transporters rejected it declaring the increase nominal in view of high fuel prices.

There followed a wheel-jam strike by transporters but that was called off three days ago after the assistant coordination officer and traffic officials promised a reasonable hike in fare across the board.

The district administration and transporters had another round of talks at Kalu Khan police station on Tuesday but it failed to bear fruit.

'Numerous options were discussed but the two sides failed to strike an agreement, said an official in the know.

The official said in the new list, fare had been jacked up to Rs0.85 per kilometer but transporters demanded an increase of Rs5 per bus stop drawing the opposition of the administration, which considered the sought-after increase unaffordable for commuters by and large.

He said the two sides would have another round of talks and that there was a greater likelihood of the fare further going up.

Meanwhile, people havecomplained of being overcharged by transporters due to 'deliberate' negligence of traffic police.

Abdul Qayyum Khan, a resident of Maneri Bala, said the official fare from Swabi to Topi was Rs12 but by and large, transporters charged Rs20.

He said the district administration should step in and ensure crackdown on overcharging.

Khalid Khan, an employee of a government department, demanded strict action against transporters flouting official fare list. 'We want fair fare,' he said.

Meanwhile, leaders and workers of various political parties on Tuesday announced to join Jamiat Ulema-i-1slamFazl (JUI-F) along with their family members and friends.

The announcement was made during a function presided over by former provincial education minister Maulana Fazal Ali in Kaddi area.

Noted among those who joined JUI-F were former Awami National Party councilor Abdul Wahab alias Malang, Wali Khan, Khamis, Karim Khan, Abdul Hakim Khan, Sher Alam Khan, Zarnavish Khan,WarisKhan,SaidYousaf, Zahir Mohammad, Shamrez Khan, Aftab Ali, Liaquat, Habib Gul, Ikramullah, Said Anwar, Nazar Mohammad, Munir Khan and others.