The government-fixed new bus fare must be implemented

In the wake of the increase in fuel prices, the government has revised the fares of diesel and petrol-run buses and minibuses across the country.

According to media reports, the fares for Dhaka and Chittagong metropolitan and long-distance buses have been increased by 11 paisa per kilometer.

In addition, the inter-district bus fare has also been increased by 11 paisa per kilometer.

Although this increase of 11 paisa per kilometer may seem low at first glance, it will have a long-term impact on the daily travel expenses of the common man.

One positive aspect of this decision is that the minimum fare of10 taka and 8 taka in Dhaka and Chittagong metropolises has been kept unchanged.

However, the CNG-powered transport has been kept out of the scope of this increase.

The government’s balanced stance and its refusal to bow to the unreasonable demands of transport owners deserve praise.

But, as easy as announcing this fare list is, its implementation on the ground is very challenging.

Experience shows that passengers have been constantly harassed due to the lack of transparent monitoring and accountability.

Whenever the price of fuel increases even slightly, a section of transport workers and owners create an artificial crisis or start charging fares many times higher than the government-set rate.

The concerned authorities should keep a close watch so that the old anarchy does not return. Displaying the fare list at a visible point in every bus is mandatory.

And the BRTA’s mobile courts should regularly monitor to ensure that no excess fare is charged.

Apart from this, it is also important to give importance to the supervision of CNG-run buses.

It should not be forgotten that the price of fuel has increased only for diesel and petrol.

But experience shows that CNG-powered bus drivers sometimes demand higher fares from passengers on the pretext of increasing oil prices. Strict implementation of this directive must be ensured.

The government has assured the public that fares will be adjusted again when fuel prices come down.

This is a positive promise. However, it is necessary to be careful that the increased rates that have come into effect now do not cause any chaos or arguments on the roads.

The transport sector is the driving force of a country’s economy.

Thus, the main goal should be to build a relationship of trust between the three parties — passengers, owners and the government.

If a culture of mutual respect and adherence to rules is developed, only then the common people will remain free from suffering in such a crisis.