Taxi drivers fleecing commuters

ISLAMABAD: Taxi drivers are overcharging the commuters of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The government departments concerned are least concerned about the sitution. The people have to pay exorbitant cab charges due to thin public transport plying on various routes, especially during rush hours and late night.

"Taxi drivers charge double fare from Islamabad to Rawalpindi," said Iman Khan, an employee of a private company. Another commuter Rabia Khalid said they used to pay Rs. 50 to 60 for Abpara market, F-8 Markaz, F-7/4, H-8 and other short distance areas from zero point, however, these days they are being charged Rs 70 or more, for the same distance thus creating troubles. She said the female commuters face problems while negotiating fares with the taxi drivers. "We cannot afford standing on road sides for long time and argue with the drivers," she added.

Another commuter Imran Yaqub said that the yellow cab owners and drivers overcharge the passengers due to the absence of fare regulation mechanism. "The drivers demand whatever they wish. Their main excuse for overcharging is shortage of CNG."

However, a taxi driver Ahmed Ali claimed that due to unavailability of CNG they had to use diesel or petrol which increased their running expenditure. He said," they used to charge Rs 50 for Blue Area and Rs. 60 for Jinnah Super Market from Zero point but now they demand at least 20 rupees more as comparing to old fares.