Taxi drivers fleecing commuters

ISLAMABAD: Taxi drivers doing business in twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad are fleecing commuters, thanks to the apathy of the concerned departments.

The people have to pay exorbitant cab charges due to thin public transport playing on various routes, especially during rush hours and due to the unavailability of gas on CNG stations.

"Taxi drivers charge double fare from Islamabad to Rawalpindi," said Nadia, an employee of a private company on Friday.

While talking to PPI another commuter Yasir Ali Khan 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 80 or more, for the same distance thus creating troubles.

Another commuter Nazia said the female commuters are also facing problems of negotiating fares with the taxi drivers. "We cannot afford standing on road sides for long time and argue with the taxi drivers," she added.

An other commuter Muhammad Imran 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. 100 for Jinnah Super Market from Zero point but now they demand at least 20 rupees more as comparing to old fares.