Taxi drivers are charging increased fares from commuters in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi due to the construction work being carried out on a number of roads, prolonging travelling on the routes. The commuters are compelled to pay Rs 20 to Rs 30 increased fares for nearby stations while the margin for comparatively far places, from the pick points, is higher with Rs 30 to Rs 40, it is observed.
Earlier, taxi drivers used to charge Rs 50 to 60 for Aabpara market, F-8 Markaz, F-7/4, H-8 and other short distance areas however, these days, they are charging Rs 80 or more (for the same destinations), thus creating trouble for us, said Rubi Begum, a government official.
She further said female commuters are facing more problems while negotiating the fares in comparison to the men, "as we can not afford standing on the roadside and argue with drivers." Rahim Khan, an employee of a private office at zero point, said the yellow cab owners and drivers are fleecing the passengers due to absence of fare regulation mechanism in the twin cities. They demand whatever they wish, he said.
However, a taxi driver Mustafa claimed that some CNG stations are overcharging them. "We have no option but to charge a little over to balance the expenses," the driver maintained. He said that earlier, they used to charge Rs 50 for Blue Area and Rs 60 for Jinnah Super market but now, they demand fare with at least 20 rupees of access. "This depends whether a commuter agrees," he said.
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