LAKKI MARWAT: Public transporters have increased fares on their own after a drastic spike in prices of petroleum products, locals complained on Friday.

They said the transporters had increased stop-to-stop fare from Rs10 to Rs20.

They added fare to the District Headquarters Complex from various areas had been jacked up by Rs20. They said fare on routes between Lakki Marwat city and Tajazai, Serai Naurang, Ghaznikhel, Darra Pezu, Tajori, Malang Adda, Serai Gambila and Gandi Chowk had been increased by Rs10.

Quarrels and altercations are reportedly taking place between transporters and commuters on a daily basis.

A local resident told Dawn the unilateral hike in fare by transporters was unacceptable as it had further stressed the inflation-hit people.

“Many people use public transport to go to workplaces,” he maintained, saying increase in fare would put an additional burden on them.

Meanwhile, the transporters have also raised fare on inter-districts routes.

The passenger coaches and buses plying on Bannu, DI Khan, Peshawar, Islamabad and other routes have started charging commuters with high fare.

Published in Dawn, February 18th, 2023