Commissioner visits bus stands, checks transport fares

PESHAWAR, Apr 08 (APP): Commissioner Peshawar Division, Riaz Khan Mehsud and Deputy Commissioner Peshawar, Sanaullah on Wednesday visited Haji Camp General Bus Stand, GT Road and Motorway Toll Plaza to inspect passenger vehicles operating on CNG.

The commissioner was accompanied by Director General Capital Metropolitan Government Qadir Nasir, Secretary Regional Transport Authority Abrar Ahmad Wazir, Traffic Magistrate Basharat Ahmad and Assistant Commissioner.

During the visit, the commissioner personally checked transport fares and listened to feedback from passengers regarding fare collection. He expressed satisfaction over the reduction in fares following the one-month suspension of schedule tax and adda tax and directed transporters to ensure relief is passed on to the public.

Strict action was taken against several transporters for overcharging and carrying more passengers than the permitted limit. Multiple vehicle route permits were suspended on the spot. The commissioner also interacted directly with passengers, addressing complaints and reviewing the availability of facilities.

Speaking on the occasion, he said that any unjustified increase in fares would not be tolerated. He said that the suspension of adda tax and schedule tax for one month is intended to provide direct relief to the public.

He directed transport owners to immediately reduce fares and ensure that the benefits of government relief reach passengers. He warned that strict legal action would be taken in case of non-compliance.

Furthermore, the commissioner directed authorities to deploy regular checking teams at transport terminals and major highways to effectively curb overcharging. Transporters were also instructed to display fare lists prominently at the front of vehicles and issue fare receipts to passengers to ensure transparency and facilitate inspections.