The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has deployed 10 electric buses for the shuttle service to the Diplomatic Enclave after taking over the operation from a private contractor on January 3.
The Directorate of Municipal Administration (DMA) assumed control of the service, ending a three-year contract with a private firm. Operations with the electric buses commenced on January 6, according to officials.
An official confirmed that the electric buses will operate temporarily until a new contract is awarded. However, other officials argued that the CDA should permanently manage the service to prevent the exploitation of citizens by private contractors.
“The CDA should run this service permanently to help citizens or this service should be ended for good and visa seekers should be allowed to move freely into the diplomatic enclave of their own country,” said an official.
New fare structure and service improvements
As per the revamped service, the electric buses charge Rs1,000 per trip. Officials have widely appreciated the CDA and Municipal Corporation Islamabad (MCI) for ending the role of private contractors in managing the service. This decision has been lauded as a move to prevent citizen exploitation.
“The fare should be decreased from Rs1,000, as instead of focusing on revenue generation, the CDA/MCI should focus on providing services to citizens,” one official suggested, reflecting concerns over the affordability of the service.
Countless people complain of being overcharged by diplomatic shuttle service
During the previous contracts, there were frequent complaints of overcharging. Passengers were charged between Rs 1500 to Rs 3,000 for a round trip in a coaster or high-roof van. Allegedly, the contractor also used private vehicles to ferry visa seekers, sometimes charging thousands of rupees. Private cars reportedly cost Rs 5,000 per head.
Several citizens have particularly complained about pay a hefty amount for a ride that is a mile or less. Sharing his experience on social media, an Islamabad resident recalled the chaotic scene at the U.S. Embassy a year ago. The line outside was unbelievably long, winding around the corner, with only a single counter to serve the crowd. His appointment was for 8 AM, but by the time he arrived, it was already well past 7:50 so instead waiting for a shuttle that would take at least 30 minutes, he opted for a private car that would arrive in five minutes. That private car cost 5,000 per person. “It felt like daylight robbery,” he recalled.
Citizens also reported the high fares to Dawn, voicing frustration at being compelled to use the shuttle service due to the ban on private vehicle entry into the enclave after 9/11 due to security reasons.
Citizens have urged the CDA to reduce the current fare of Rs 1,000 per person and to use its own buses, instead of private contractors, to provide transportation services. This would make the service more affordable and accessible to the public.
Last year, a European diplomat also raised concerns about the excessive fares with the then CDA chairman Anwarul Haq. This prompted a meeting where the chairman reprimanded DMA officials and issued a warning letter to the contractor on September 25.
Challenges with private contracts
Notably, on December 27, the DMA attempted to award the contract controversially but postponed the tender at the last minute. The most recent contract, which expired on Friday, was awarded in 2020 for Rs102.6 million per year. Allegations surfaced that private contractors, with the support of some DMA officials, attempted to retain control over the service, raising concerns about vested interests.
By deploying these electric buses and taking over operations, the CDA has curtailed such practices, providing a much-needed improvement to a service that some describe as the most expensive shuttle system in the country.