The port city is facing a shortage of public transport as commuters struggle daily with inadequate buses, unfit vehicles, irregular services, traffic congestion, and rising fares.
The number of buses and minibuses operating in the city remains far below demand. Many vehicles are old and reportedly lack valid fitness certificates or route permits. The absence of designated bus stops in many areas further worsens traffic congestion.
Although the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has 72 buses in Chittagong, most operate on long-distance routes rather than serving ordinary city commuters.
A significant number of buses are also hired on a reserved basis to transport industrial workers. Consequently, commuters face long queues at major bus stops during morning office hours and in the afternoon. Even after waiting for long periods, passengers often struggle to board overcrowded buses.
According to the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), 17 routes have been designated for bus and minibus services in the city. Around 2,900 route permits have been issued, while 803 buses are listed as lacking valid fitness certificates. Transport stakeholders, however, believe the actual number of unfit vehicles could be higher.
Yusuf Talukder, a resident of Muradpur, said office-goers suffer the most. “We have to wait for a long time for public transport in the morning and after office hours. Getting a seat often feels like a matter of luck,” he said.
Abdur Rahman of Bahaddarhat said that fares are often increased during rain or when passenger demand rises. Many buses, he said, operate on only part of their designated routes, forcing passengers to pay extra to reach their destinations.
Metro Prabhati service struggling
The counter-based Metro Prabhati service is failing to meet passenger demand. The buses operate between the city’s northern areas and Patenga Sea Beach. Although they are supposed to leave every five minutes, commuters often wait 20–30 minutes for a bus.
During peak hours, standing passengers reportedly outnumber those who get seats. Many are forced to travel standing despite paying comparatively high fares.
BRTC’s limited role
Despite having 72 buses, BRTC has a limited presence on regular city routes. Ten operate as school buses, while 18 serve students and teachers of different universities. Others run on long-distance routes, including Chittagong-Rangamati, Chittagong-Khagrachhari, Chittagong-Sylhet and Chittagong-Dhaka.
BRTC Bus Depot and Training Centre Manager (Operations) Kamruzzaman said the buses under the Chittagong unit operate on various routes, including 10 school buses.
Chittagong Metropolitan Bus Owners’ Association President Belayet Hossain Belal said the shortage is most acute during office hours. He said 65–70% of permitted buses are engaged in transporting industrial workers during peak periods, leaving ordinary commuters with fewer options. He also attributed the lack of new buses to rising vehicle prices and declining returns.
Chittagong Metropolitan Police Assistant Commissioner (Public Relations) Aminur Rashid said the traffic division was working to maintain discipline. Legal action and fines were being imposed against traffic violators, while AI-based cameras were being installed to strengthen traffic monitoring.
