KARACHI, Jan 8: Though the metro bus service and CNG buses, operating between Gulistan-i-Jauhar and Tower, have resolved the transport problem of their beneficiaries to some extent, most of the passengers are of the view that the fares are exorbitantly high and should be made reasonable in accordance with status of the common man.

According to a survey, many passengers appreciated the introduction of new air-conditioned and environment-friendly buses by the City government saying that the initiative had caused a serious blow to the notorious ‘transport mafia’ which had been maintaining its monopoly for a long time.

A student, Rakhshanda said: “Yes, the City government has protected us from blackmailing by the transport mafia. However, it should take measures to lower the fares.”

A large number of residents of Gulistan-i-Jauhar, known as ‘jungle of flats’ acknowledged and lauded efforts of the City government in overcoming the major problem but they also opined that fares should be reduced, majority of them proposed Rs10 as maximum.

They observed that coaches fare had been fixed at Rs10 for a single journey and the operators were bound not to carry load beyond the vehicle’s seating capacity.

Another frequent traveller opined that mini-buses and coaches operated in a large number from various points in the city to Gulistan-i-Jauhar but owing to an unrealistic approach on assigning routes, these services benefited the transporters only instead of providing relief to passengers.

Some of the residents of Gulistan-i-Jauhar pointed out that there was no direct route between the Jauhar roundabout and Karachi University. There was either no coach or mini-bus route available connecting Shahrah-i-Faisal with Gulistan-i-Jauhar, they added.

Thousands of students of Karachi University and NED University, besides those studying in other educational institutions appeared grateful to the City government for running big buses and metro buses. They, too, called for a reduction in fares and more concession to students.—PPI