ISLAMABAD - The commuters of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad have supported the decision to impose ban on use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) by public transport vehicles.
Taking to APP on Sunday, they argued that though CNG was being used by the transporters but they were charging fares fixed in comparison with the prices of diesel and petrol.
They also expressed their fears about problems in the coming days due to the ongoing strike of All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) and possible closure of transport during working days.
It may be mentioned that the Oil and Gas Authority (OGRA) has directed the APCNGA to immediately stop refuelling vehicles, including buses, cars and wagons, with cylinders installed beneath the passenger seats or on rooftops as such installation is in violation of the Safety Code.
The commuters said that they paid fares according to the prices of diesel or petrol despite the use of CNG by most of transporters. The ban on using CNG in public transport will ultimately address the problem of transport shortage on the roads and prevent deadly accidents, they opined.
They said they had to face problems in in reaching their destinations during three days of CNG loashedding. In coming working days, they feared further problems due to non-availability of CNG and possible strike by the transporters.
They commented that taxi drivers already charged exhorbitant fares and and the situation might aggravate for the people if appropriate steps were not taken by the departments concerned.
Fakhar, a commuter, said that they pay less fare to the cabs in normal days but during CNG holidays, high fares are charged.
However, another commuter Anees Shah at Zero Point stop, appreciated the ban on use of CNG by public transport, as a step to prevent accidents, thus saving precious lives.
“ This decision of banning CNG in public service vehicles is a right step but the expected problems of commuters must be resolved by departments concerned taking timely action,” said.