PESHAWAR: The continued increase in petrol and diesel prices has led to another hike in public and goods transport fares in Peshawar, adding to the financial burden on commuters and businesses.
According to transporters, passengers travelling from Peshawar to Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi and other major cities will now have to pay higher fares. Fares on various routes have increased by between Rs100 and Rs2,500, with both air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned services becoming more expensive.
Fares for vehicles operating between Peshawar and other districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have also been increased. Transporters said fares on different routes had risen by Rs100 to Rs500, directly affecting people who travel on a daily basis.
Intra-city travel also becomes costlier
Public transport fares within Peshawar city have also been increased by 5 to 20 per cent.
Citizens said rising inflation had already put pressure on household budgets, while the increase in transport costs would further add to their financial difficulties.
Goods transport fares increased
The increase is not limited to passenger services, as the cost of transporting goods has also gone up. Cargo booking charges, as well as fares for trailers, trucks and other freight vehicles operating on different routes, have been raised.
The increase in cargo fares is expected to push up transportation costs for essential commodities and other goods, potentially putting further pressure on market prices.
The latest fare hike is therefore expected to increase expenses for both commuters and the business community in Peshawar. Transporters may review fares again if fuel prices are increased further.
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