Social distancing ignored on public transports, yet fares doubled
As many people were suffering due to bus shortage, many passengers reportedly got on board the buses forcibly
Though the buses did not carry more than 50% passengers during office hour today morning, the scenario changed afterward.
Public transports were seen carrying almost 100% passengers of their capacity and charging them double fares.
As many people were suffering due to bus shortage, many passengers reportedly boarded on the buses forcibly ignoring the government instruction on maintaining social distancing amid the rise of Covid-19 cases.
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When asked why he sat next to another passenger without maintaining social distancing, a passenger named Helal Uddin said, "I have been waiting for two hours for a bus. Even after paying twice the fare, I couldn't get any seat alone. So I sat here with another passenger."
However, BRTC bus contractor Jasim Uddin told The Business Standard, "We did not force anyone to get on the bus. Passengers are forced to sit in the next seat as they do not get the bus to their destinations."
Another passenger Kibria Chowdhury said that the government is making people suffer financially by enacting such a law.
Passengers blocked Airport Road in Khilkhet today protesting the government's decision to raise bus fares.
Commuters were seen suffering as most could not get on a bus, prompting them to walk to their destinations this morning.
Earlier on Tuesday, the government ordered public transports to run with 50 percent passengers of its carrying capacity amid the rising trend of coronavirus infection. The decision was taken to ensure passengers' health security. The fare of public transport was also hiked by 60%.
