Commuters and transporters across Punjab are seeing major relief as transport fares have been significantly reduced following a drop in petroleum prices. Authorities stated that the new fares are effective immediately.Following the reduction in petroleum product prices in Lahore, public transport fares have been reduced by 25%, while goods transport fares have been cut by up to 40%.

The announcement was made by the President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Association, marking a significant step toward passing fuel price relief on to the public. According to the revised fare structure, ticket prices between major cities have dropped considerably.The fare from Lahore to Islamabad has been fixed at Rs3,100 after a reduction of Rs1,032, while the fare to Multan now stands at Rs2,450 after a decrease of Rs817.

Similarly, the fare from Lahore to Abbottabad has been reduced by Rs1,007 to Rs3,020, and the fare to Faisalabad has dropped by Rs437 to Rs1,310. For longer routes, the fare from Lahore to Hyderabad has been reduced by Rs2,710 to Rs8,140, while the Karachi route has seen a Rs3,000 cut, bringing the new fare down to Rs9,000. According to the Secretary of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) Lahore, the new fare structure will be implemented from today.

RTA officials have warned that strict action will be taken against transporters who fail to display updated fare lists. Rana Mohsin emphasized that compliance will be enforced across the board.Punjab Minister for Transport and Mass Transit Bilal Akbar Khan directed authorities to ensure a 25% reduction in transport fares. He also ordered the issuance of updated fare lists and directed all RTAs to submit reports on fare reductions.

To ensure compliance, monitoring teams have been formed in all districts to oversee the implementation process.In Karachi, Malik Shahzad Awan, the president of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, welcomed the reduction in petroleum prices and the subsequent 40% cut in goods transport fares. He expressed hope that fuel prices would be reduced further and urged both federal and provincial governments to provide additional relief in taxes to support the transport sector. 

The fare reduction is expected to bring much-needed relief to passengers and businesses alike, particularly at a time of rising living costs. Lower goods transport costs could also help reduce the prices of essential commodities, offering broader economic benefits.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)