Digital Divide Fuels Transport Inequality in Twin Cities

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Islamabad: Rising transportation costs are becoming a daily struggle for commuters in Islamabad and Rawalpindi, where local cab services continue to charge steep fares compared to online ride-hailing platforms. 

What at first glance appears to be a story of inflated prices reveals a deeper divide: citizens caught between convenience, affordability, and access to digital solutions.

For residents like Saqib Zia, the choice is obvious—online ride-hailing apps offer competitive rates and transparent billing. “I was shocked when a local taxi demanded PKR 2,000 for a ride from Islamabad to Rawalpindi,” he said.

 “The same route on an online app cost me half. But my parents, who aren’t comfortable using apps, often end up paying more when they call a cab directly or go to a taxi stand.”

This highlights a growing digital mobility gap: younger, tech-savvy commuters benefit from cheaper rides, while older citizens or those without smartphones remain dependent on traditional cabs, often paying double the fare.

Fatima, another commuter, recalled her experience traveling from Islamabad to Peshawar Road. “A taxi driver quoted Rs3,500, saying traffic was the reason. But the online app showed Rs1,800 for the same route. It’s unfair, especially when traditional cab drivers also take longer routes just to increase fares.”

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While passengers accuse taxi operators of exploiting the situation, cab drivers defend their pricing. “Fuel prices, maintenance costs, traffic congestion—it all adds up,” said Altaf, a Rawalpindi cab driver. “We cannot compete with app-based services backed by big companies.”

Transport experts argue that the problem is not simply about high fares but about access and equity. While online platforms have revolutionized urban mobility, not everyone can access them due to limited digital literacy, patchy internet connectivity, or lack of smartphones. In such cases, traditional cabs remain the only option—albeit at a higher cost.

As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, this gap is leaving many citizens vulnerable. “It’s not just about fares—it’s about mobility justice,” noted a transport analyst. “When essential services like transportation become unaffordable for segments of society, it restricts their ability to access jobs, education, and healthcare.”

For now, the twin cities’ commuters remain stuck between two worlds: one where technology offers cheaper, transparent rides, and another where dependence on traditional taxis continues to strain household budgets. 

Until policymakers intervene with regulations or subsidies, the divide in transport accessibility is likely to widen further—leaving many citizens paying more simply because they are on the wrong side of the digital gap.