Franchising of Rawalpindi-Islamabad routes: no steps being taken to rectify problems of commuters

Weeks ago, some major Rawalpindi-Islamabad routes were franchised to a private bus company. This resulted in untold problems for the commuters. A lot has been written on the subject, but no remedial steps have so far been taken to rectify the situation.
It appears, people don't matter in this particular case, for had it been otherwise, some middle way could have been agreed upon to end the unwanted situation, they had been forced into.
It is surprising that no one from the provincial government to date spared sometime to meet the people and ascertain their views thereof.
In place of as many as 1,400 min-buses, wagons and Suzuki vans, hundreds and thousands of commuters have been left at the mercy of about 160 buses. As a result, not only these buses, but bus stops also appear overcrowded from dawn to dusk.
Women, elderly men and students have to hang by doors to scamper some space in buses. Existing number of these buses, it is abundantly clear, is not enough to accommodate the bulk of commuters who travel on these routes daily.
It is commonly alleged that these buses halt at the stops at will and even if they do, it is very difficult for old people and women to manage some space inside. This results in wastage of time.
Sudden rise in temperatures, coupled with shortage of transport has compounded travel problems between the twin cities.
It is the hottest local issue. Newspapers carried so many stories, articles and wrote even editorials. So much so, thrice, the matter was raised on the floor of the Senate during the 11th and 12th sessions. Surprisingly, no one took notice of the plight of the masses.
The Parliament also appeared helpless. Senate Chairman Mohammedmian Soomro had taken notice of it, but unfortunately, no solution was found. May be the issue was too big to be handled by the Parliament or the Senate chairman.
Everything is not okay. People feel disgusted and belittled by the franchising. Above all, transporters have been made to look for other source of income, after their livelihood ruined by the decision.
It is claimed that the authorities had signed franchise agreement with the company. Even if so, bad or unfavourable decisions are revoked in the larger interest of public.
During travel, the only topic is why the government is overlooking the genuine problems of commuters. Is it because, the company is owned by the daughter of a retired general is a common question discussed during commuting.
This piece of writing may also go unnoticed, as was the cases with countless other such pieces and even photographs. But this shows, how much the common man and his problems matter to the government.