Crackdown on Overloading Cuts Public Transport Violations by 85%, Officials Say

Recent targeted enforcement efforts against the overloading of public transport in Pakistan have led to an impressive 85% reduction, marking a significant step forward in improving commuter safety. Overloading—where buses, minibuses, and vans carry more passengers than their legally permitted capacity—has long been a major cause of road accidents, injuries, and fatalities, particularly in densely populated urban centers.

Authorities attribute the sharp decline to a combination of stricter regulatory checks, deployment of additional traffic personnel, and imposition of fines and penalties on vehicle operators found violating passenger limits. Regular monitoring at busy terminals, highways, and city roads has also deterred operators from exceeding capacity. In some cities, checkpoints equipped with weighing systems and electronic record-keeping have been introduced to track compliance effectively.

The reduction in overloading not only enhances the physical safety of thousands of daily commuters but also improves overall traffic flow and reduces congestion on busy roads. Passengers now experience safer journeys, with decreased risk of accidents caused by overloaded vehicles tipping over or being unable to maneuver safely.

Experts suggest that sustained enforcement, combined with awareness campaigns targeting both operators and commuters, will help maintain this positive trend. Encouraging the public to report violations and rewarding compliant operators are additional measures being considered to institutionalize safe transport practices.

This initiative is part of a broader government effort to modernize public transport, improve urban mobility, and prioritize passenger safety, signaling a proactive approach to long-standing transport safety challenges.