LAHORE (Dunya News) – Public transport operators nationwide have sharply increased fares following a significant rise in fuel prices, placing an additional financial strain on commuters.
Sources indicated that ticket prices have jumped by as much as 65 percent, meaning passengers traveling between major cities may now have to pay an extra Rs1,000 to Rs2,500.
Travelers to Karachi have been hit hardest, with fares from Lahore climbing from Rs8,600 to Rs12,000, and fares to Hyderabad increasing from Rs9,200 to Rs13,000.
Other major routes have seen similar hikes: Lahore to Islamabad fares rose from Rs3,000 to Rs4,000, Lahore to Peshawar from Rs3,500 to Rs4,600, Lahore to Sargodha from Rs1,550 to Rs2,550, and Lahore to Faisalabad from Rs1,350 to Rs2,350.
Additional increases have been reported for routes to Rahim Yar Khan (Rs4,250 to Rs5,300), Murree (Rs3,300 to Rs4,500), and Multan (Rs2,800 to Rs3,700).
Transport operators explained that the fare hikes are a response to rising fuel and spare part costs, warning that running vehicles without the adjustment would be unsustainable and could force some services to stop altogether.
Meanwhile, commuters have voiced strong concerns about the heavy increase in travel expenses.