People pay extra fares to be home for Eid

Express Tribune

31-03-2025

As Eid approaches, a large number of out-of-town residents are returning to their hometowns, leading to a surge in passengers on public transport. Taking advantage of the increased demand, transport operators have raised fares, adding to the financial burden of travelers already struggling with inflation.
Meanwhile, the District Regional Transport Authority (DRTA) has launched a crackdown on vehicles charging excessive fares. According to DRTA Secretary Saleem Memon, enforcement actions over the past four days have resulted in fines exceeding Rs1.2 million, while more than Rs7.7 million in overcharged fares has been refunded to passengers.
Increased passenger load and fare hikes
A significant rise in passenger traffic has been observed in Hyderabad, particularly among those returning to other provinces or cities within Sindh for Eid. Similarly, Hyderabad natives working in other cities or provinces are also making their way back home with their families. This has led to overcrowding on public transport, especially on routes between Karachi and Hyderabad, as well as from Hyderabad to Tharparkar, Umerkot, Mirpurkhas, and other districts.
Taking advantage of this demand, transporters have allegedly raised fares for intercity buses, coaches, and vans. Even rental car services operating between Karachi and Hyderabad are charging higher-than-usual rates, leaving travelers frustrated and forced to pay extra.
Ongoing crackdown on overcharging
The Sindh government has intensified its crackdown against excessive transport fares, refunding Rs159.97 million to passengers.
On the directives of Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, the Transport Department inspected 5,294 vehicles, issuing 3,979 challans for violations. Memon emphasized that arbitrary fare hikes by transporters will not be tolerated, and strict action is being taken against violators without discrimination.
The campaign to regulate fares will continue during Eid to protect passengers' rights. He reiterated that legal action is being taken against transporters charging excessive fares, with no exemptions. The government has implemented a strict monitoring strategy to ensure fair pricing and prevent exploitation. Memon directed transport officials to remain vigilant at bus terminals and highways, ensuring that no one exploits passengers financially. He also urged travelers to report any overcharging immediately, reaffirming that the law applies equally to all.
In response to passenger complaints, DRTA Hyderabad Region Secretary Saleem Memon, in collaboration with SP Motorway Police Sector-3 Nadeem Ashraf, has been conducting day-and-night operations against transporters charging excessive fares. Acting on the directives of Sindh's Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon, Secretary of Transport & Mass Transit Department Asad Zaman, Hyderabad Commissioner Bilal Ahmed Memon, and DIG Hyderabad Tariq Dharejo have ordered intensified enforcement.
Since March 25, authorities have been inspecting over 805 public transport vehicles traveling from Karachi and Hyderabad to Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In Hyderabad alone, fare violators have been fined Rs1.285 million, while Rs. 7.735 million in excess fares has been refunded to passengers. This operation is part of a larger crackdown against fare gouging during the Eid holidays.
Strict actions against violators
DRTA Secretary Saleem Memon emphasized that strict actions will continue against those exploiting students, laborers, and government and private sector employees. SP Motorway Police Nadeem Ashraf stated that these enforcement efforts will continue throughout the year to protect passengers from fare exploitation.
Within Hyderabad, operations are being carried out at Badin Bus Stop and National Highway checkpoints, with traffic police officers actively monitoring fare compliance. Additionally, several transporters who refused to refund overcharged fares have been arrested, after which they admitted their wrongdoing and returned the excess amounts.
Saleem Memon further warned that any transporter failing to refund illegal fare hikes will face legal action, including cancellation of their route permits.