Karachi residents demand cut in bus and ride-hailing fares

Citizens in Karachi have called on the government to ensure that private transport operators and ride-hailing services reduce their fares following a significant decline in petrol and diesel prices over the past few weeks.

Passengers said transport operators raised fares by nearly 40 percent earlier this year when fuel prices surged during regional tensions. At the time, transport companies argued that higher fuel costs had made the previous fare structure unsustainable.

However, commuters say that justification no longer exists because petrol and diesel prices have fallen by around Rs100 per litre and are now close to Rs300 per litre. According to passengers, private buses and coaches increased minimum fares by between Rs10 and Rs20, while maximum fares rose by between Rs30 and Rs50 when fuel prices approached Rs400 per litre.

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Ride-hailing services also reportedly increased their fares. Short motorcycle trips became around Rs100 more expensive, longer bike rides increased by about Rs200, and car fares rose by between Rs200 and Rs500. Commuters argue that transport operators reacted quickly when fuel prices increased and should now reduce fares with the same urgency after fuel costs have dropped significantly.

Passengers described the continued charging of higher fares as unfair and urged the government to intervene. They said the financial relief created by lower fuel prices should also benefit ordinary people who rely on public transport and ride-hailing services every day.

Many citizens believe that reducing transport fares would lower their daily travel expenses and provide much-needed relief at a time when the cost of living remains high.