Publish : 09 Nov 2021, 08:47 PMUpdate : 09 Nov 2021, 08:47 PM
Bus owners’ associations have acknowledged that many drivers are overcharging passengers despite the recent hike in fares.
Strict measures will be introduced to ensure that passengers are charged the correct amount, with more details to be revealed during a press conference on Wednesday, representatives of the associations added.
Most passengers at several bus stops in Dhaka and Chittagong on Tuesday told Dhaka Tribune that they were being charged almost 50% beyond and above the fares that had been fixed. Some long-haul passengers said they had to pay Tk200-300 more than they used to, which amounts to an increase of about 60%.
On Sunday, the government raised bus fares by 27% in response to strikes by public transport owners due to rising fuel prices.
The bus fare in the Dhaka and Chittagong metropolitan areas was set at Tk2.15 per kilometre for buses and Tk2.05 per kilometre for minibuses. The fare for long-distance travel was set at Tk1.80 per kilometer.
The hiked fares are only applicable for diesel-run vehicles.
On Tuesday, a mobile court of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) carried out raids on buses on different routes and imposed fines on them for overcharging passengers.
In Mohakhali and several other areas, BRTA Director (enforcement) Sarwar Alam listened to the complaints of passengers and forced bus staff to return extra fares.
He said: “Strict measures will be taken if necessary. A fine between Tk 5,000 and Tk 10,000 has been imposed on the basis of various allegations.”
Passengers of two buses of Dewan Poribohon and Smart Winner told the BRTA that the minimum fare was set at Tk10, but both the buses charged Tk20 as the minimum.
They also complained that they were being prevented from boarding the bus if they refused to pay the extra amount.
Furthermore, there was no difference in fares between diesel- and CNG-run buses.
Chittagong Metropolitan Bus Owners’ Association President Belayet Hossain Belal could not be reached for comment over phone.
Acknowledging the overcharging issue, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association (BRTOA) Secretary General Khandaker Enayet Ullah said the association leaders had held a meeting with the BRTA on Tuesday to discuss addressing the matter and easing the suffering of commuters.
Khandaker Enayet Ullah, who is also general secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners’ Association (DRTOA), added that both the BRTOA and DRTOA had sent letters to all their units asking them to stop charging extra fares.
“Overcharging is unlawful and a punishable offence. Legal action will be taken against those who breach the government’s instructions,” he said.
More details will be disclosed at a press briefing on Wednesday evening, he added.
Bus owners admit commuters are being overcharged
Bus owners’ associations have acknowledged that many drivers are overcharging passengers despite the recent hike in fares.
Strict measures will be introduced to ensure that passengers are charged the correct amount, with more details to be revealed during a press conference on Wednesday, representatives of the associations added.
Most passengers at several bus stops in Dhaka and Chittagong on Tuesday told Dhaka Tribune that they were being charged almost 50% beyond and above the fares that had been fixed. Some long-haul passengers said they had to pay Tk200-300 more than they used to, which amounts to an increase of about 60%.
On Sunday, the government raised bus fares by 27% in response to strikes by public transport owners due to rising fuel prices.
The bus fare in the Dhaka and Chittagong metropolitan areas was set at Tk2.15 per kilometre for buses and Tk2.05 per kilometre for minibuses. The fare for long-distance travel was set at Tk1.80 per kilometer.
The hiked fares are only applicable for diesel-run vehicles.
On Tuesday, a mobile court of the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) carried out raids on buses on different routes and imposed fines on them for overcharging passengers.
In Mohakhali and several other areas, BRTA Director (enforcement) Sarwar Alam listened to the complaints of passengers and forced bus staff to return extra fares.
He said: “Strict measures will be taken if necessary. A fine between Tk 5,000 and Tk 10,000 has been imposed on the basis of various allegations.”
Passengers of two buses of Dewan Poribohon and Smart Winner told the BRTA that the minimum fare was set at Tk10, but both the buses charged Tk20 as the minimum.
They also complained that they were being prevented from boarding the bus if they refused to pay the extra amount.
Furthermore, there was no difference in fares between diesel- and CNG-run buses.
Chittagong Metropolitan Bus Owners’ Association President Belayet Hossain Belal could not be reached for comment over phone.
Acknowledging the overcharging issue, Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association (BRTOA) Secretary General Khandaker Enayet Ullah said the association leaders had held a meeting with the BRTA on Tuesday to discuss addressing the matter and easing the suffering of commuters.
Khandaker Enayet Ullah, who is also general secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners’ Association (DRTOA), added that both the BRTOA and DRTOA had sent letters to all their units asking them to stop charging extra fares.
“Overcharging is unlawful and a punishable offence. Legal action will be taken against those who breach the government’s instructions,” he said.
More details will be disclosed at a press briefing on Wednesday evening, he added.