The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a significant increase in fares for private public transport and goods transporters in Rawalpindi, raising rates by 25 to 37 percent following the recent surge in fuel prices.
The decision was taken during a joint meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Maliha Essar and RTA Secretary Syed Asad Abbas Shirazi at the RTA office in Saddar.
Representatives of the Passenger Public Transport Union, D-Class stand owners, General Bus Stand Rawalpindi Union, Local Transport Union Rawalpindi, and the Goods Forwarding Association attended the meeting.
Officials reviewed the proposal in light of the sharp increase in fuel prices, with diesel rising by around 54.93 percent and petrol by 42.73 percent.
After consultations, participants agreed in principle to raise fares across multiple categories, subject to approval by the competent authority.
Under the proposal, local non-AC public transport fares will increase by 25 percent, local AC transport by 30 percent, inter-city AC transport by 37 percent, inter-city non-AC transport by 32 percent, and goods transport vehicle fares by 35 percent.
Authorities said the decision considered fuel costs, operational expenses, passenger occupancy, and public convenience.
However, despite free travel on Metro Bus and electric buses, commuters relying on private transport are expected to face higher costs.
Transport companies have already started charging passengers according to the revised fares on several routes.
Ticket prices from Rawalpindi to Lahore increased from Rs2,480 to Rs3,100, while Rawalpindi to Karachi fares rose from Rs8,950 to Rs10,450.
Other routes also recorded increases, including Rawalpindi to Peshawar, Okara, Bahawalnagar, and Dera Ismail Khan.
Fares for shorter routes have also increased. Travel from Rawalpindi to Gujrat now costs Rs1,100 instead of Rs750, while the fare to Chakwal has risen from Rs550 to Rs750.
Meanwhile, bike ride services and rickshaw drivers have also increased their charges. Many operators have set the minimum fare for three to four kilometers at Rs300.
Transporters say the fare hike reflects not only higher petrol and diesel prices but also increased costs of engine oil, spare parts, and vehicle maintenance, which have significantly raised operational expenses.
