RAWALPINDI:
As the Eid Azha holiday began on Tuesday, a steady influx of commuters from the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad continued to return to their hometowns to celebrate Eid with their loved ones.
On the last day before Eid, an extraordinary rush of passengers was witnessed at transport terminals and railway stations, while shortage of vehicles, overloading and excessive fares caused serious hardship to travelers.
Even though a large number of commuters had already left for their hometowns before Eid, heavy crowds persisted on the last day at various transport hubs in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, including the Pirwadhai bus terminal. Large numbers of people continued to flock to bus stations in an attempt to spend Eid with their families.
Due to a severe shortage of passenger vehicles, citizens and families have been forced to endure long waits at terminals. Several routes, including those serving Multan, Mianwali, Layyah and Kot Addu, were reportedly facing transport shortages, while there were also complaints about transporters charging fares much higher than the prescribed rates.
A worker identified as Kareem said: “We have been waiting for several hours. There are very few vehicles available and fares are charged almost double the normal rate.
Another passenger, Afzal, commented: “There are ten of us. We have been at Pirwadhai terminal since 4am and need to go to Kot Addu, but no vehicles are available. We are now told that a bus might arrive around 3 p.m., so we are still waiting.
Passengers further alleged that some transport operators resorted to overloading vehicles. “We reached here early in the morning and even bought expensive tickets, but no vehicles are available. We are told that buses might arrive between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m.,” they said, adding that the current situation was only adding to the hardship of travelers but also increasing the risk of accidents due to overloading.
Transporters, however, said vehicles were being transported to their destinations as soon as they arrived, while acknowledging that the shortage of transport facilities remained a serious problem.
Meanwhile, following several complaints, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA), along with the Motorway Police and Rawalpindi City Traffic Police, continued their crackdown on transporters involved in overcharging and overcharging. According to officials, challans were issued against violators, while excess fares collected from passengers were also refunded.
Motorway police spokesperson Saqib Waheed said the motorway police had returned over Rs 2.6 million in excess fares to passengers. He further revealed that over 9,000 challans were issued on charges related to overcharging, overcharging and incomplete travel documents.
Meanwhile, CTP spokesperson Kashif Shoroosh said Challan tickets were issued to 177 vehicles for charging rates above the approved rates.
Meanwhile, RTA Secretary Asad Abbas said RTA Rawalpindi issued challans to 68 vehicles and ensured that 133 passengers were refunded excess fares charged to them.
