Public transport operators across Pakistan have increased fares by up to 25% following the recent rise in petroleum product prices, according to reports.
Transporters raised fares for buses, wagons, and minivans, marking the largest increase in passenger transport fares in the last seven years. On several major routes, ticket prices have gone up by Rs300 to Rs600.
The fare from Lahore to Islamabad has increased from Rs2,670 to Rs3,338, while the fare from Lahore to Peshawar has risen from Rs2,530 to Rs3,200.
Similarly, the fare from Lahore to Faisalabad increased from Rs980 to Rs1,300, and the fare for Lahore to Karachi travel went up from Rs5,800 to Rs7,250.
Other increases include Lahore to Multan (Rs1,650 to Rs2,063), Lahore to Sukkur (Rs3,400 to Rs4,250), Lahore to Murree (Rs2,290 to Rs2,863), and Lahore to Sadiqabad (Rs2,430 to Rs3,038).
Passengers at bus terminals said the latest increase has made travel extremely difficult amid rising inflation. Many commuters said attending family events or traveling for personal matters has become a major financial burden.
Some passengers said that for low-income families, the situation forces them to choose between daily meals and travel expenses.
Transporters, however, defended the increase, stating that higher fuel prices and rising costs of spare parts have significantly increased operating expenses. They warned that without raising fares, many operators might be forced to suspend services.
Meanwhile, citizens have urged the government to reduce petrol prices, warning that continued increases could trigger another wave of inflation.
Intra-City Fares Also Rise in Sindh
Following the fuel price hike, intra-city and intercity fares in Karachi and other parts of Sindh have also increased.
The fare from Karachi to Larkana rose from Rs1,500 to Rs1,800, while the fare to Shikarpur increased from Rs1,500 to Rs1,700.
Similarly, fares to Jhang and Fort Abbas have gone up from Rs3,200 to Rs3,500, while the fare to Bahawalnagar increased from Rs2,500 to Rs3,000.
