Policymakers overlook sufferings as they don't use public transport: RSF

Policymakers responsible for public transport management lack an understanding of the public's hardships because they do not personally use the capital's public transportation system, the Road Safety Foundation (RSF) observed today.

At a press conference in the capital, RSF officials highlighted the long-standing issues plaguing the road transport sector, including a lack of effective law enforcement and ethical standards.

RSF Chairman AI Mahbub Uddin Ahmed expressed frustration with the current state of public transport management of the capital. He noted that many policymakers do not personally use public transportation, which led to a failure to comprehend the hardships endured by the public.

"Those who make policy decisions regarding public transport management do not use the capital's public transport," he stated. "Therefore, they are unaware of the challenges that the majority of the population faces daily."

Bangladesh has lacked a sustainable road transport strategy for the past 53 years, he also complained.

Professor Mahbub said, "Public transportation carries 53% of passengers, while private vehicles serve only 11%. However, private vehicles occupy 70% of the road space, which leads to a disproportionate allocation of resources and unfairly impacts the majority of people who rely on public transport."

He alleged that the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) regulates road transport, typically led by a chairman from the administrative cadre service, often lacking practical road or vehicle expertise, impacting effective oversight. Those lacking practical knowledge of roads or motor vehicles may find it challenging to provide accurate insights. That's why it is not possible for the chairman to understand everything.

The BRTA should appoint a road and motor vehicle expert or an academic professional as its chairman and ensure that the institution is staffed with qualified personnel, he opined.

He demanded that a training centre be set up for bringing drivers under the control of BRTA.

"A vested interest group has politicised public transport, creating a system rife with extortion and corruption. They obstruct company-based bus management initiatives, perpetuating mismanagement for personal gain.

The introduction of company-sponsored bus services in the capital is expected to discourage the use of private vehicles, thereby alleviating traffic congestion, the organisation claimed.

The organisation further said that the BRTA's institutional weaknesses hinder effective action, as the Road Transport Act of 2018 remains unimplemented after six years. Efforts to regulate road order are limited to forming committees and drafting recommendations, lacking decisive action.