Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader expressed frustration yesterday over poor response from investors over import of air conditioned minibuses in the country.
After a meeting with an UNDP delegation yesterday the minister said: “The ministry has given the approval for importing around 100 air conditioned minibuses to resolve transport crisis in the capital. But, we are frustrated seeing the poor response from the private investors.”
“We, however, are not giving up hope. We have also taken initiative to import new public buses. Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) will import the buses soon,” he said.
United Nations Development Programme delegation submitted a written proposal to the minister yesterday on resolving the transport crisis and traffic congestion in the capital.
Describing UNDP’s initiative, the minister said: “They have found a solution for eliminating traffic congestion in the city. They want to work with us to create public awareness to achieve the goal.”
“The delegation is working to start a systematic transport system in Bangladesh. We will prepare a comprehensive programme consulting with the stakeholders like police, transport leaders and experts,” he added.
Expressing concern over unfit vehicles in the city, Quader said: “We can see unfit vehicles plying in the city. However, we cannot dump the vehicles as there is no alternative.”
The number of small vehicles is increasing day by day as people are not interested in riding unfit or sub-standard public transports. Most of the families are using more than one car causing huge traffic congestion. An increased number of quality buses should solve the problem, he said.