LAHORE – A sharp increase in petroleum prices has led to a major rise in Public transport fares across Pakistan. Bus operators have raised ticket prices on several intercity routes, making travel more expensive for thousands of passengers.
Reports indicate that intercity fares have increased by as much as 65 percent. Travelers moving between major cities are now paying an additional Rs1,000 to Rs2,500 for their journeys. The latest changes have placed extra financial pressure on commuters who depend on Public transport for daily and long-distance travel.
According to the revised fare list, the ticket price from Lahore to Islamabad has increased from Rs3,000 to Rs4,000. Similarly, the fare for travel from Lahore to Peshawar has climbed from Rs3,500 to Rs4,600.
Other routes have also seen significant increases. The fare from Lahore to Sargodha has jumped from Rs1,550 to Rs2,550. Meanwhile, passengers traveling from Lahore to Faisalabad now have to pay Rs2,350 instead of the previous Rs1,350.
Long-distance travel has become even more expensive. Passengers heading to Karachi from Lahore are now paying Rs12,000, compared to the earlier fare of Rs8,600. Likewise, the ticket price from Lahore to Hyderabad has increased from Rs9,200 to Rs13,000.
Tourist routes have also been affected by the new pricing structure. The fare from Lahore to Murree has risen from Rs3,300 to Rs4,500. Similarly, travel between Lahore and Multan now costs Rs3,700.
Transport operators say the increase was unavoidable. They argue that rising fuel prices have significantly raised operational costs. In addition, the prices of spare parts and maintenance services have also increased.
Operators explained that without adjusting fares, it would be difficult to keep buses running. They warned that continuing operations at old prices could lead to financial losses. In extreme cases, some services might even be suspended.
Passengers, however, are worried about the growing cost of travel. Many people rely heavily on Public transport for work, education, and family visits. The latest fare hike has made regular travel more challenging for many households.
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Experts say transport costs often rise after fuel price hikes. However, they also emphasize the need for balanced policies to protect both operators and commuters.
