KARACHI, March 23: A large number of old and rickety buses are running between Tower and Malir, Khokhrapar, causing problems to commuters on this route.

This has been happening despite clear-cut instructions of the transport department at the time of increase in bus fares that the raise is subject to improvement in the condition of buses, and that they would be environmental- friendly.

Inquiries revealed that among over 60 route 44-A buses, only 20 per cent fulfil fitness and other formalities, otherwise a majority of buses violate the law, and people hope for introduction of an efficient public transport service.

Buses often broke down in the middle of the journey and commuters have to suffer on account of failure of the engines of these buses, people complained.

Many buses have their bodies cracked which also pose danger to the lives of those travelling.

Area people accused the transporters of indulging in the violation of fitness law for motor vehicles, and said that the transporter grease the palms of the authorities and succeed in getting fitness certificate every year.

Moreover, a number of buses have been brought from outside Karachi and are being operated with the connivance of the traffic authorities.

Inquiries revealed that route 44-A remains closed on Sundays and holidays and buses are not available in the evening after 7pm.

In the morning between 7am and 9pm, buses do not pick up passengers on intermediary stops and right from the initial bus stops, vehicles become overloaded and thus people suffer a lot as they find no buses to reach their offices in time.

After 10am, these buses are available after a long duration, say between 20 to 25 minutes, thus a lot of time of commuters is wasted at bus stops, and when luckily anybody finds a seat, he reaches tower after 1.20 minutes.

Commuters complained that from Tower to Khokhrapar, a majority of the buses charge Rs10 instead of a fare suggested by the transport department. The maximum fare is Rs7.30. They also refuse concession to students although the transport department has offered 50 per cent concession to students.

The route operators claimed that the problems of the commuters could be minimized if they are allowed an extension in route till Mawach goth via Fisheries, Crown Cinema, Gulbai Sher Shah. Presently, passengers suffer because the buses end their journey at Tower and business and offices at I. I. Chundrigar Road remain closed after office timings and there are no passengers on holidays and on Sunday.

The area people have urged the town and city government authorities to come to their rescue and penalize the transporters for violation of the law.