The fare of CNG-run buses and autorickshaws operating in Dhaka and Chittagong cities are set to be increased, with an announcement on this regard likely coming tomorrow.
On the heels of the recent gas price hike, the Public Transport Fare Coordination Panel placed its recommendations yesterday to the Road Transport and Highways Division, proposing that passengers of CNG-run buses be charged Tk2 for each kilometre of travel instead of the existing Tk1.6 rate.
BRTA sources said the panel also proposed that fares for minibuses be made Tk1.85 per kilometre, a 35 paisa hike from the current Tk1.50 rate.
However, the sources did not comment on what was proposed about the new fare for CNG-run autorickshaws. The recommendations were made following discussions with bus owners; however, no one representing the passengers were present in such meetings.
“The panel has submitted their report with recommendations. However, we will finalise the new fare rate for CNG-run vehicles after examining their suggestions. Then we will announce the hiked fare rate for vehicles operating in Dhaka and Chittagong cities,” Road Transport and Highways Secretary MAN Siddique told the Dhaka Tribune.
Saying that the final decision on this regard would be made on Thursday, the secretary added that no changes would be made after that announcement.
However, BRTA sources said that the new fares for CNG-run vehicles would be implemented after Eid-ul-Azha.
A 12-member panel has evaluated the public transport fare and an eight-member body has reviewed CNG-run autorickshaw fares. The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority chief Md Nazrul Islam presided both meetings.
