Independent report
SHANGLA: Citizens in Shangla have demanded an immediate reduction in passenger transport fares in line with the continued decline in petroleum prices, saying commuters are being denied the benefit of lower fuel costs.
Residents said that transporters routinely increase fares whenever petrol and diesel prices rise, but fares remain unchanged even when fuel prices fall. They urged transporters to adopt the same principle when reducing fares and provide relief to passengers facing mounting financial difficulties.
Students, teachers, government and private-sector employees, traders, shopkeepers, labourers and daily-wage workers are among those regularly travelling between different areas of the district. Patients and their attendants, elderly people, women and citizens visiting government offices and courts also face substantial transportation expenses.
People said that in the prevailing economic conditions, daily travelling costs have become an additional burden on household budgets, particularly for employees and labourers commuting from distant areas.
Citizens have called for a review of fares on major routes, including Alpuri, Besham, Karora, Shahpur, Chakesar, Martung and Puran, as well as other local routes.
They urged transporters to demonstrate a sense of responsibility and pass on the benefits of lower petroleum prices to passengers.
The public has also called upon the Regional Transport Authority, district administration Shangla and relevant provincial and federal authorities to review existing fares in consultation with transporters.
They demanded that revised fare schedules be issued and displayed prominently at bus stands and other important locations to prevent disputes between passengers and transport operators.
Citizens said that the benefits of falling petroleum prices would only reach ordinary people when reductions were reflected in the cost of everyday transportation.
