Govt Increases Bus Fares by 60 pc

The government has increased bus and minibus fares by 60 percent on inter-district and long-distance routes (Dhaka, Chittagong, and adjacent areas) to compensate bus owners carrying 50 percent fewer passengers to prevent coronavirus transmission.

Passengers will have to pay additional bus fares as of June 1 (Monday), said a gazette notification issued by the Ministry of Road, Transport, and Bridges on Sunday.

The notification mentioned that the additional fares for inter-district and long-district busses and minibusses will be increased by 60 per kilometer from the existing Tk 1.42.

The additional 60 percent fare will be added to the existing bus, minibus fares of Tk 7, and Tk 5 in the metropolitan cities of Dhaka and Chattogram, respectively, according to the notification.

The notification also stated that busses and minibusses operating in Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, Gazipur, Manikganj and the Dhaka district under the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) would be authorized to charge extra fares with the current Tk 1.60 fares per kilometer.

Each passenger must take a seat and keep the adjacent seat empty and no bus and minibus will be allowed to carry over 50 percent passengers.

This extra bus fare will be applicable only during the COVID-19 pandemic only, said the notification adding that after this pandemic, the bus fares will be readjusted as per the previous rates.

Earlier in the day, Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said the government will issue a gazette notification on "an adjusted and logical" bus fare.

He hinted about reducing the proposed bus fare by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

BRTA recommended that bus fares be increased by 80 percent on Saturday to compensate bus owners with 50 percent fewer passengers to prevent coronavirus transmission.

Passengers, drivers, helpers, and ticket sellers must wear face masks while hand sanitizers, soaps and handwashing equipment must be available at the terminals.

On Thursday, the Government issued a gazette notification allowing the limited operation of public transport and offices amid the coronavirus outbreak from May 31 to June 15.

Public transport – buses, trains, and vessels – resumed and the offices reopened on Sunday.

Source: UNB