The taxicab service in Chittagong, which was introduced 12 years ago because of public demand, is in a sorry state as the number of vehicles has fallen dramatically.
Over 200 air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned taxicabs, which came in both black and yellow, were put into operation when the service was introduced in 2002.
At present, however, only 40-50 of those are functional, said Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) sources. BRTA officials said the service was introduced to provide city dwellers with the best transport experience possible.
The vehicles were issued route permits for ten years and most of those have already had their permits expired, said Jamal Uddin, assistant director of BRTA Chittagong division.
The service is operated through Navana Taxicab Service, Uttara Finance and Cosmo Cab Service, said Mohammed Arju, former general secretary of the Light Motor Vehicle Owners’ and Workers’ Union.
Cab drivers said they were distressed to see the service gradually declining day by day. Leaders of the union said they were facing numerous difficulties as the cab owners had lost their interest in investing in the sector.
Many drivers took ownership of the cabs from the investors and have been paying bank installments, they added.
Abu Fayez, general secretary of the union, told the Dhaka Tribune: “We have urged BRTA to renew the permits for another five years as bank installments are still being paid.”
Cab driver Md Iqbal said these days, the drivers were getting fewer passengers, adding that only people belonging to the affluent class rent cabs to reach airport or rail station.
Kamal Hossain, sales and marketing official of The Peninsula Chittagong Hotel, said they hire cabs only when the customers ask for it but the quality of service is questionable.
Jamal Uddin said BRTA has no plan to renew permits for the existing vehicles.