Government enforces new rules for taxi services in Peshawar

The Peshawar city administration has announced a strong new plan to ease traffic and make travel safer for passengers.

Officials held a detailed review of the city’s traffic situation and public transport under the chairmanship of Regional Transport Authority Chief Riaz Khan Mehsud. The new measures target both formal and informal transport to reduce chaos on the roads.

From now on, all private taxis operating in Peshawar must register with the Excise Department. Registered taxis will get a uniform color and special QR code stickers, making them easier to identify. Unregistered taxis will face strict legal action, including fines and vehicle confiscation.

At the same time, the administration has ordered the immediate closure of more than 100 illegal transport operations, such as unauthorized rickshaws and private “speed” stations. Authorities will also arrest the contractors behind these unlicensed services.

To improve traffic flow, the city will close unnecessary U‑turns on Charsada and Kohat roads and clear illegal encroachments. Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations that are causing jams will be shifted to open areas, and joint teams of Assistant Commissioners, traffic police, and transport officers will crack down on illegal rickshaws, Qingiz, and loaders along the BRT corridor.

Additionally, the city prohibits trucks, tractor-trolleys, and other goods vehicles from entering major city roads before 10 pm to prevent rush-hour congestion. Checkposts along the roadside will move to open zones so traffic can move more smoothly.