Buses return to normal services, maintaining health guidelines
"The bus fare from Dhaka’s Farmgate to Gulistan is Tk 15 on normal fare but the conductor of Shikor Paribahan charged Tk20"
Public transports have returned to normal services and fare from today even though new daily cases of Covid-19 infections and fatalities are still high in the country.
On Tuesday, most of the buses in the capital were seen following the government's health guideline as they are not carrying the passengers beyond the seat capacity. However, over fares are continuing.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said that most of the public transports were seen following the rules after lifting the restrictions on public transports to curb Covid-19 outbreak.
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The minister also said, "Legal action will be taken against those who do not comply with government guidelines amid Covid-19 outbreak."
He said that each bus has a rule of displaying the list of government-approved fares. I request the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the owners' association to implement this provision.
He said this in a virtual meeting with the officials of Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) on Tuesday.
"While traveling in public transport, it is compulsory for all to wear masks. Buses cannot carry standing passengers and adequate soap, water or hand sanitizer should be kept in all buses," he further added.
Khandaker Enayet Ullah, secretary general of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association, told The Business Standard that they have asked the bus owners, drivers and conductors to follow the health guideline.
"I hope they will maintain it. Otherwise we will not take their responsibilities," he added.
Kamal Uddin, a passenger, said, "The bus fare from Dhaka's Farmgate to Gulistan is Tk 15 on normal fare but the conductor of Shikor Paribahan charged Tk20."
Mozammel Hoque Chowdhury, secretary general of Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samity, told that they are observing the matter.
On August 29, the government decided to return to the previous fare of public transports on condition from September 1.
