Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader have said that the bus fare will be the same as it was before the coronavirus epidemic from September 1.
He made the remarks in a video conference with Dhaka Road Zone officials from his official residence in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban area on Saturday (August 29th).
Obaidul Quader said, “Considering the overall situation and the public interest, the government has decided to return to the previously fixed fare of public transport from September 1.”
He said that in the case of returning to the previous rent after three months, the concerned people have to fulfill some conditions. He said that instructions will be given by the ministry in this regard.
Conditional bus service started from June 1 after a 66-day lockdown to prevent the spread of Covid-19. The fare of inter-district, long-distance and city transport buses and minibusses was then increased by 60% to compensate the bus owners for complying with the hygiene rules. However, despite the increase in fares, passengers are dissatisfied with the neglect of hygiene rules.
He said, “Passengers, drivers, supervisors, driver’s assistants, ticket sellers and all concerned must wear masks. Adequate soapy water or hand sanitizer should be provided for hand washing. No passengers can be transported in excess of the number of seats. In other words, the more seats, the more passenger transport policy will be effective. Passengers cannot be transported standing. ”
At the same time, on the condition that the vehicles be disinfected at the beginning and end of each trip, he said, “I urge the transport owners and workers to operate the transport in accordance with the rules and regulations. Besides, I request the general public to be aware of their safety including wearing masks. ”
The Minister also directed the BRTA to give necessary instructions to intensify regular activities against vehicles violating the law in the event of an epidemic.
