The initiative of mandatory metre use in CNG-run auto-rickshaws in Chittagong city has fallen flat as about half of the CNG auto-rickshaws have not installed metres yet.
Bangladesh Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday reiterated that no CNG-run auto-rickshaw could ply in the capital and premier port city without metre from Monday.
The CNG auto-rickshaw drivers were given a deadline for calibration (installation of metres) by January 31 and the newly-fixed increased fares of CNG-run auto-rickshaws were scheduled to come into effect from Monday in the premier port city Chittagong.
While visiting different spots of the city, this reporter witnessed that the commuters locked into altercation with the CNG auto-rickshaw drivers over the newly-fixed fares.
The commuters alleged that the drivers were reluctant to carry passengers in line with the newly-fixed fares.
Meanwhile, the CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers alleged the police only took action against the registered auto-rickshaws for not installing metres.
“The long-distance commuters do not wish to go following metres,” alleged a CNG auto-rickshaw driver.
“We do not have any confidence in the metre since the drivers of the CNG auto-rickshaws tamper the metres in most cases,” said Salma Sultana, a teacher of BAF Shaheen College.