Transport fares not reduced in Hunza
By: Zulfiqar Ali Khan
HUNZA-NAGAR, Nov 28: The transporters in Hunza and Nagar have not reduced fares despite a 10 per cent cut announced by Gilgit Regional Transport Authority.
However, the transporters said that they had not received any notification in this regard. They assured to decrease the fares if fresh lists were provided but requested the authorities concerned to develop the new fare lists after taking into consideration the increase in the rates of vehicle maintenance and spare parts.
The transporters are charging the same old fares leading to heated arguments with the commuters. The reduction in fare came after the government slashed diesel and petrol prices by Rs7 and Rs15 respectively from October 30 to November 16.
“The transporters raise fares with the increase in fuel prices but they do not show the same spirit when the fuel prices are reduced,” a passenger said.
The passengers demanded that the local administration should ensure the implementation of fresh fare lists so that the relief could pass on to the common man.
Assistant Commissioner Hunza showed ignorance about any notification regarding reduction in fares.
A passenger traveling to Ghulkin, Gojal, complained that the transporters did not follow even the old fares and charged about fifteen rupees higher than what the local administration had fixed.
The manager of a transport company said that the fare lists are prepared without analysing what he said the ground realities hence the hindrance in implementation.
The Northern Areas Transport Corporation (Natco) has reduced its fare from Hunza to Rawalpindi by Rs 140, but the fare is still higher than what other private bus services are charging. The passengers have demanded decrease in the fares as Natco is receiving huge subsidy from the government.
On the other hand, the transporters complained that diesel and petrol pumps in Hunza were charging Rs1.20 more than the actual rate being charged in Gilgit.
The pump owners said since the bridge at Danyore had broken the oil tankers had to take detour to reach Hunza, which proved costly to them as well as the pump owners. Also at Dawn
