Communications Minister Obaidul Quader has said the government would introduce quality taxicab service in the capital city from Bangla New Year.
"The service will begin in Dhaka from April with quality taxicab manufactured in Japan," he said after demonstration of the newly imported taxicab at Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina would formally inaugurate the newly imported taxicabs for beginning its service in the capital city in the month of Baishakh, he said.
The minister said riders have to pay Taka 100 for first two kilometres, while Taka 40 for next one kilometre. They would also be charged Taka 8.50 as waiting charge for two-minute, reported BSS.
The government involved Bangladesh army in launching the taxicab service for Dhaka and Chittagong along with private firm Toma Construction & Company Limited, he said.
The BRTA gave approval of 500 taxicabs to run in the Dhaka city while 150 cabs would ply in Chittagong, Quader said.
Toma Construction & Company Limited has been awarded to bring 250 taxicabs, while Bangladesh Army will bring 400 cabs.
Operating firms and police control room would be able to control all taxicabs from their control rooms with car detecting devices and video footages, Quader said.
Bangladesh Army and Toma Paribahan have already imported 46 latest model octane-run air-conditioned Japanese cars for city dwellers, he said.
Toma Group Managing Director Ataur Rahman Bhuiyan said taxicabs were waiting for release from the port.
