Since 2016, on-demand ride-sharing platforms have seen a dramatic rise as a means of living for many and fast commuting across Dhaka for others, until the Covid-19 pandemic hit the country hard in March. The commuters suffered, but not as much as the people who solely relied on the service to make a living.
On March 26, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) sent a letter to ride-sharing companies to suspend their activities in various divisional cities, including Dhaka. Since then, the online motorcycle ride-sharing service has remained suspended.
Although Uber, Pathao and other platforms have resumed car ride-sharing, those who use two-wheelers on demand have not yet been allowed to start their service officially. Out of desperation, these bikers are being forced to compete for passengers at various points across the city, with no regulation.
Shahadat, a National University graduate, was seen waiting and shouting desperately for passengers in the city's Hatirjheel area alongside others who are operating 'offline'. According to him, the risk of losing his livelihood is more frightening than losing the life.
"We know the risk, but we have got no other choice. I tried to stay indoors for two months but all my savings have run out and now my family in the countryside is suffering, too. So, I will have to go out every day from now on," he told UNB.
Another biker, seeking anonymity, said most of those who shared motorbike rides earned around Tk 1,000 a day before the pandemic hit. "Now, we struggle to take Tk 200 home. We can't even earn enough to pay for the cost of fuel," he said.
A similar picture was seen in the Moghbazar and Banglamotor areas, where passengers were found bargaining with bikers.
Abdul Kayum, a government employee, was among them. He said although offices have opened, it is not at all safe to venture out.
"We don't really have any choice. Taking the bus is even riskier and car rides are too expensive. So, I need to rely on bikers but they too are asking for increased fares," he said.
One of the riders in the Banglamotor area claimed the fare they demand for each ride is not much compared to other transports.
"Just have a look at our condition. Not too many people are eager to take a bike ride and the mother companies like Uber and Pathao still have not informed us about resuming the service," said Motalib Hossain, a father of two who lives in Tejgaon.
He also said some of the bikers have started making daily trips at a fixed rate. "None of the profit goes to the companies. Some bikers are not even registered with any platform."
Uber, Pathao, Sohoz and Obhai are some of the leading ride-sharing platforms of the country. However, all of them have stopped the motorbike ride-sharing services under the instruction of the government since late March and focused on courier, groceries and food delivery services instead.
Currently, over 100,000 bikes are registered with these platforms, while many more are operating on their own.
According to the Pathao helpline, only car services are available for commuting now and the date of resuming bike ridesharing is still unknown.
Country Head of AO Foundation (Trauma) in Bangladesh Prof Dr M Amjad Hossain said taking motorbike rides with unknown people will only increase the risk of contracting coronavirus for both the driver and passenger.
"The safe distance of 6 feet can't be ensured on a bike ride," he said.
As of Sunday, 276,549 people have been diagnosed with Covid-19 in Bangladesh and 3,657 have succumbed to the disease.
