Taxi fares fleecing commuters as CNG stations halt supply

ISLAMABAD,: Taxi drivers were fleecing commuters under the pretext of suspension of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) supply for two days to the filling stations in the twin cities.Passengers were compelled to pay exorbitant fare due to shortage of public transport plying on various routes in and out of the cities.Government has announced two days suspension of CNG in a week for conserving fuel reserves as utilization of gas supply increased during the winter. “Taxi drivers are charging double fare from Islamabad to Rawalpindi”, said Aisha an employee of a cell phone company.

Another commuter Saiqa said they used to charge Rs. 40 to 50 for Abpara market, F-8 Markaz, F-7/4, H-8 and other short distance areas, however, these days they charge Rs 60 or more, thus creating troubles for us, said Sana Rahat, an government official.

She said that the female commuters had more problems in negotiating the fares in comparison to the gentlemen as,”we can not afford standing on roadside and argue with the drivers.”

Muzamil Khan, an employee of a private office at zero point, said that the yellow cab owners and drivers were fleecing the passengers due to absence of fare regulation mechanism in the twin cities.

“Well, they demand whatever they wish. The excuse is shortage of CNG. There is shortage but not the increase in the CNG rates, so no question of overcharging arises,” Khan remarked.

However, a taxi driver Amin claimed that due to unavailability of CNG they left with no option to use diesel or petrol which increases their expenditure.

He said that earlier they used to charge Rs 50 for Blue Area and Rs. 60 for Jinnah Super market but now they demand the fare with at least 20 rupees access. “It depends where the commuter agrees,” he said. APP