Dhaka buses fail reserve seat rules
City buses in Dhaka are failing to provide safe and comfortable services for women, children, persons with disabilities and older people, with none of more than 50 buses inspected complying with the government’s reserved-seat directives, according to a joint observation by two transport-related organisations.
The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) and the Shipping and Communication Reporters Forum (SCRF) inspected more than 50 buses operating on different routes across the capital in September. They disclosed the findings in a joint press release on Sunday.
According to the observation, none of the buses inspected complied with government directives requiring nine seats on each bus to be reserved for women, children, persons with disabilities, freedom fighters and older people.
Although some buses displayed notices referring to the directive, most had no such notices, the findings said.
During inspections of crowded local buses, observers found men occupying reserved seats, while women, children, persons with disabilities and older passengers were often left standing, causing discomfort and hardship.
The inspection also found that around 80 per cent of the buses had no helper to assist with passenger management and other operational duties.
The findings attributed the shortage partly to the way local bus services operate. Drivers often rent buses from owners under daily arrangements and hire conductors to run the services.
After paying the agreed rental amount at the end of the day, drivers and conductors share the remaining earnings.
To reduce operating costs, they avoid hiring helpers, according to the observation.
The report also highlighted unsafe practices at bus stops. Conductors frequently stop buses at designated stops and unauthorised locations along roads, allowing passengers to board or get off in a hurry. Minor accidents occur almost daily, it added.
To improve passenger safety and compliance with transport regulations, the two organisations recommended ensuring nine reserved seats on every city bus in line with government directives.
They also called for a helper to be appointed on every bus alongside the driver and conductor, an end to daily contractual arrangements for renting buses to drivers or conductors, and strict enforcement of rules prohibiting buses from stopping between designated stops established by city corporations.
