The People’s Bus Service (PBS) ticket price increases have been approved by Sindh‘s government at a rate of 100%. It granted this permission to the National Radio & Telecommunication Corporation (NRTC), the government organisation in charge of running and maintaining the Public Broadcasting System, citing an increase in operating costs as a result of the route expansion.
Dawn was informed by sources with knowledge of the development that the decision was made at a meeting of the fare adjustment committee. The Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA), the NRTC, and outside engineers attended the meeting.
Details indicate that the current maximum fare from Gulshan-e-Hadeed to the Tower is Rs. 100. The 58-kilometer extension has resulted in a 100% rise over the previous cost of Rs. 50.
Allah Wali Chowrangi in Gulshan-e-Hadeed serves as the starting point of the route, which travels through Steel Town, Port Qasim Chowrangi, Manzil Petrol Pump, Quaidabad, the Malir neighbourhood, Malir Halt, Colony Gate, Natha Khan Bridge, Drigh Road Station, PAF Base Faisal, Lal Kothi, Karsaz, Nursery, FTC, Metropole, Karachi Press Club
A Sindh Mass Transit Authority (SMTA) official, on the condition of anonymity, complained about an increase in fares even for shorter distances. “They are no longer charging Rs. 50 as a minimum fare for shorter distances,” he stated.
