The Punjab Transport Department has not yet approved an augmentation in public transport fares while no complaint of over charging of non air-conditioned transport has been received. This was stated by an official of Punjab Transport Department on Saturday.
The official said that as far as the increase in fares of non air-conditioned buses, mini buses, wagon owners are concerned, the Pakistan Motor Transport Federation has submitted an application requesting immediate increase in the fares, which is under active consideration of the Punjab Government.
However, the government in pursuance with Cabinet decision of 28.11.2000 had already deregulated the fare of air-conditioned public transport plying on inter-city routes in the Province. Therefore, the fare of air-conditioned vehicles is has not been fixed by the department.
He maintained that, in order to monitor the situation, transport department has deputed two squads comprising of Motor Mobile Petrol Inspector (HQs), & Transport Sub-Inspector, DRTA to remain vigilant on the issue, and to take drastic action against the defaulters. Secretaries, D.R.T.As in the Punjab have also been directed to take similar steps to curb the menace of over charging within their territorial jurisdiction, he concluded.