PESHAWAR – A fresh blow to inflation-weary passengers amid a new transport fare revision following back-to-back increases in diesel prices, with Regional Transport Authority (RTA) issuing a formal notification for revised fares on various routes.
The new fare structure for passenger vehicles operating on different routes across Peshawar took effect from August 12. The fare revision comes after rising diesel prices pushed up operating costs for transporters, prompting authorities to review the existing passenger fares.
Regional Transport Authority has formally notified revised fares for passenger vehicles operating on different routes in the city. Officials said the new fare structure was prepared in view of the increase in diesel prices and the resulting rise in transportation expenses.
With the revised rates now in force, passengers traveling on affected routes are required to pay according to the newly approved fare schedule. The implementation of the revised fares is expected to increase the daily transportation expenses of thousands of citizens who rely on passenger vehicles to travel across Peshawar.
For workers, students and other daily commuters, even a small increase in fares can add to their monthly household expenses, particularly for those making multiple trips each day.
Authorities, however, maintain that the revision was necessitated by the increase in diesel prices and higher operating costs faced by transporters. While allowing the revised fares, the Regional Transport Authority has also issued a strict warning to transporters against charging passengers more than the officially approved rates.
Officials said complaints regarding overcharging would be taken seriously and that legal action would be initiated against transporters found violating the notified fare structure.
Passengers have also been advised to remain aware of the officially approved fares and avoid paying any unnecessary additional amount during their journeys. The authority directed transporters to ensure complete implementation of the revised fare schedule and collect only the prescribed amount from passengers.
RTA further clarified that violations of the official fare structure would not be tolerated and that action would be taken against those found charging passengers above the notified rates. The latest development comes as rising fuel costs continue to put pressure on the transport sector. While the fare increase is aimed at addressing higher operational expenses, it is likely to translate into additional financial pressure for Peshawar’s daily commuters.
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