Railway Minister Zillul Hakim has said that there will be no hike in railway fares before the upcoming Eid al-Adha. The railway minister clarified the matter to the media on Sunday (March 17) after some media reports published that railway fares may increase from April 1. Zillul Hakim also said that no decision has been taken to increase rail fares. "Railway fares will not increase in the near future," he added. Meanwhile, at a program in Rajbari on Sunday, the railway minister said that 800 coaches will be imported in the country within the next one year. New engines will also be introduced. They will be implemented with new projects to modernize the railway.  

The metro rail station on the Dhaka University (DU) campus is set to open its doors on Wednesday (Dec 13), non-resident students are ecstatic to see their daily commute time reducing significantly. Taibur Rahman Sifat, a student of Dhaka University said, “Many students from Mirpur and Uttara previously suffered due to severe traffic congestion, spending hours in jams to reach the campus. The metro rail will bring relief to them enabling them to commute in just 20 minutes from Mirpur and under half an hour from Uttara.”  Demanding half fare for students, he said: “High fare of metro rail can be difficult for students to bear.”  Taibur hoped that university authorities would collaborate with metro rail authorities soon. Another student, Jannatul Mawa initially opposed the metro station due to environmental concerns, now appreciates the convenience it offers.   She told, “Now that I see that I won't miss classes in the morning, I won't waste hours on the road due to traffic jams, then it feels good.” Dr Mihir Lal Saha, a professor in the Botany Department, shared his enthusiasm, describing the metro rail as a realization of a dream.  “A country's development system is visible when their transportation system is visible. Transport system is very important for teachers-students-staff at the University,” he added. Addressing initial opposition to the placement of the metro rail station at TSC, Dr Saha acknowledged concerns related to noise pollution and overcrowding.   However, he underscored that the overall outcomes have been overwhelmingly positive, making commuting more accessible and efficient for the university community. Additionally, he commended the safety of the metro rail, deeming it a crucial aspect of the university's transportation landscape. Philosophy student Tanveer Ahmed also expressed his gratitude, considering the metro rail at TSC a blessing for ordinary students, particularly those who reside off-campus. He highlighted the newfound convenience and speed with which students can now reach various destinations covered by the Metrorail.   Labhlu, an employee at the Teacher-Student Centre (TSC), shared his personal experience, describing the metro rail as a beautiful and revolutionary addition for Bangladesh. He said: “My home is in Uttara. I have to come to office in TSC every morning. I am often late due to traffic jams. Now I can come to office on time using metro rail.”  

The government has reduced per kilometer launch fares by Tk 0.15 and minimum fare has been set at Tk 30 following the recent reduction in fuel prices for the convenience of passengers. The new rate will come into effect after Thursday midnight, the Ministry of Shipping said in a notification issued in Dhaka today. After the reduction, commuters will have to pay Tk 2.85 per kilometer instead of Tk 3 for the first 100 kilometers and Tk 2.45 per kilometer for distances above 100 kilometers. The minimum ticket price was also reduced from Tk 33 to Tk 30, according to the notice. Earlier in the last month, the Ministry of Shipping increased the launch fare by 30% following the highest fuel price hike in 20 years on 5 August. Source: BSS AH

Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association today (Sunday) called off transport strike following the government's move of re-fixing the bus fare.    The transport association enforced the indefinite strike of public transport, trucks and lorries from Friday morning with the demand of re-fixing bus fare.    The strike was called off following a meeting between Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and leaders of transport owners' association.   Transport owners' association Secretary General Enayet Ullah told BSS that they called of the strike following their meeting with BRTA Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder.   Road Transport and Bridges Ministry issued a press release re-fixing the fare of bus and minibus.   According to the re-fixed fare, diesel-run inter-district and long-route buses and mini-buses can realize maximum Taka 1.80 fare for per kilometer from every passenger which is now Taka 1.42. So, Taka 0.38 has been increased for per kilometer bus fare.    For diesel-run buses and mini-buses in Dhaka and Chattogram cities, Taka 2.15 and Taka 2.05 fare have been re-fixed for per kilometer for every passenger which is now Taka 1.70 and Taka 1.60 respectively for buses and minibuses. So, Taka 0.45 fare has been extended for both buses and mini-buses for per kilometer. Minimum fare for bus and minibuses has been re-fixed as Taka 10 and Taka 8.   Per kilometer Taka 2.05 fare has been re-fixed for both buses and mini-buses in districts under Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, Gazipur, Manikganj and Dhaka) for every passenger.   Petrol, octane and gas-run vehicles will not be under the purview of the extended fare.   The new fare rate will be effective from tomorrow (November 8). Source: BSS AH

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader said that the public transport will ply at the previous fare rate from September 1. He said, public transport will ply at the previous fare rate from September 1 but based on conditions. Everybody have to follow the necessary health guidelines. Earlier decision was taken to raise the public transport fare by 60 percent from June 1. Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) gave the decision to ply the buses and minibuses by keeping half of the seats vacant. But at present health guidelines are not being followed in the most cases. In this situation the decision of charging previous fare has come. At that time the ministry said in its final decision that 60 percent increased fare will be added to 1.42 taka per kilometer on long route journey. Besides, toll of the roads and bridges will be included with the fare. The fare of per kilometer minibus was fixed at 1.60 taka per kilometer. And the bus fare was fixed at 1.70 taka per kilometer for per person. The minimum minibus fare was fixed at taka 5 and the minimum bus fare was fixed at taka 7. The 60 percent extra fares were charged with that. AH

Public transports are plying on roads abiding by the health guidelines from Monday after remaining shut for 67 days in the coronavirus situation. In this regard the government issued gazette notification after increasing the public transport fares by 60 percent. A writ was filed challenging the legality of the decision and the hearing will take place on today. Supreme Court lawyer Humayun Kabir Pallab filed the writ petition with concerned bench of the High Court on Monday. The writ was filed seeking stay order over the notification. Humayun Kabir told the newsmen, middle class and lower middle class people use the public transport mostly. In this situation why the fares are increased by 60 percent? So I have filed the writ challenging the decision. Secretary of Road Transport and Bridges ministry (Road Transport and Highways Division) and Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and other concerned were made defendants in this connection.   AH  

Railway Minister Nurul Islam Sujan said, the government has no plan to increase train fare at the moment. Whether the fare can be made compatible with other transport service in future- that is under consideration. All the management system will be brought under Bangladesh Railway’s own management. There will be no train service under private sector. No agreement will be renewed in this regard. He said these to the newsmen after signing an agreement of railway’s locomotive supply with Korean Hyundai Rotem Company at Rail Bhaban in the capital on Monday. The minister said, a committee was formed headed by Joint Secretary of the ministry Ahmed Morshed to recommend for making train fare compatible with other transport such as bus service. The committee will submit the report very soon. In future the facilities in rail service will be increased according to passengers’ demand. In that case there will be no problem if fare is increased. He said, the railway services which were given under private sector will not be renewed. Railway will be brought under own management. It will not be given under private sector anymore. Nurul Islam Sujan said, we have taken many projects for infrastructural development to promote the railway service for the passengers. Railway tracks are being upgraded to broad-gauge from meter-gauge. There is plan for double line from single line track. Four line tracks will be made from Joydevpur to Dhaka. Project Director Abdul Mobin Chowdhury signed the agreement for Bangladesh Railway. On the other hand Senior Vice President Huang Ul Kim signed for the Hyundai Rotem. According to the agreement the Korean company will supply 20 locomotives after 28 months. The cost will be 8 crore 34 lakh 5 thousand 380 US dollars. Bangladesh and Korean government jointly are financing this. AH   

Plane fare for hajj passengers are collected several times higher than the normal period. Hajj agencies termed the decision of increasing plane fair as unjust and illogic as plane fare was not increased internationally. Even Religious Affairs Ministry thinks that the matter is abnormal but Civil Aviation and Tourism Ministry in not willing to talk over the issue. A general passenger used to pay taka 50 thousand highest for plane fare with return ticket for travelling Saudi Arabia in other airlines including Bangladesh Biman at any time throughout the year. But plane fares from hajj passengers are collected several times higher. This year the plane fare for hajj pilgrims was fixed at taka one lakh 38 thousand 191. Which was 14 thousand taka more than the previous year. Proprietor of Ali Air Travels and Tours, Hossain Ahmed Majumder said, plane fare was not increased in any country of the world, but it was increased in our country. Usually 38 thousand taka is taken for one seat. But due to hajj it turns into one lakh 38 thousand. Mentioning example he said, from our neighboring country India pilgrims are going Saudi Arabia with expense of 850 dollars. Whereas, in our country hajj pilgrims are taken with a cost of 1575 dollars. Though we are neighboring countries but the difference is double. Proprietor of Imdad Air Travels and Tours, Md. Imdadullah Sayeed said, 40 thousand taka is charged for plane fare for sending umrah hajj passengers, according to the speech of Biman that seat returns vacant. If that is counted than the fare should be 80 thousand taka. Hajj Agencies Association of Bangladesh (HAAB) says, Bangladesh Biman and Saudi Airlines without any reason in imperious move collect illogical fare from the passengers. HAAB Secretary General Shahadat Hossain Taslim said, forcing hajj passengers to travel on two airlines, forcing them to buy tickets in highest price, these all means violating their rights. If we look into India, Pakistan or Indonesia than we will see that passengers are not taken in this way. Acknowledging the matter, in charge of hajj operations Religious Affairs Secretary Md. Anisur Rahman said that they had nothing to do as the matter of charging plane fare is jurisdiction of another ministry. He said, Religious Affairs Ministry is not associated with fixing plane fare. We only implement that what the Aviation Ministry gives us. But we acknowledge that higher fare is being taken. In this regard Civil Aviation Ministry declined to comment. The associated persons urged for integrated initiatives to reduce plane fare for hajj pilgrims at an acceptable level as well as government to be more sincere. AH          

All the private buses have turned into sitting service at the moment in the capital. 96 percent of the buses are plying in the name of sitting service keeping the doors locked. 92 percent passengers are victims of sufferings every day. 98 percent passengers are victims of charging extra fare. 62 percent passengers are forced to step in or down on the moving buses. 28 percent passengers are forced to commute standing on the buses after paying extra fare in the name of sitting service. Five teams of Bangladesh Passengers Welfare Association’s  fare anarchy observation subcommittee observed different areas of the city for the last six days. Later on Saturday the association secretary general Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury revealed the information in a press briefing. The survey was conducted after consultation with 557 bus passengers, 185 auto rickshaw passengers and 56 taxi cab passengers. The survey said, passengers of middle region of the city are the most victimized of extreme sufferings. These buses are charging the company rated fare instead of the government fixed fare. The home bound people during Ramadan are being victims of extreme sufferings. It also said, 93 percent passengers do not know where to complain about their sufferings and of them 88 percent do not make complain as they think that there will be no remedy in this regard. This scenario is paid much importance in the national dailies and electronic media but no activities are seen from the concerned government or private organizations and owners association. On observation report Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said, 94 percent CNG auto rickshaws in the city are plying on contract basis. 98 percent of those are charging extra fare or tips. Auto rickshaw drivers are charging 30 to 50 taka tips at present instead of 10 taka they charged earlier. 90 percent auto rickshaw drivers do not want to go according to the desired destinations of passengers. Moreover after waiting several hours no taxi cab was seen in different parts of the city.   AH 

Rickshaw fare is increasing day by day. As a result sufferings of lower and middle class people have increased. Fare of this mass transport cannot be maintained under control as there is no specific policy in this regard. This means of tricycle transport is comfortable for the lower and middle class people of the capital for their day to day affairs but it is very uncomfortable regarding the fare. In the several previous months the fare has increased from 10 taka to 30 taka in every route. Passengers and rickshaw pullers are seen engaged in dispute frequently over fare. While talking to some passengers in front of BIAM School near Hatirjheel they all alleged of extra fare in the recent days. On the other hand rickshaw pullers also defended themselves for the extra charge. They made daily extra deposit money to the owners as responsible for the fare hike. With the initiatives of Dhaka City Corporation and regional society rickshaw service under specific regulations is provided at Gulshan, Banani and Baridhara. But passengers also alleged about extra fare there. Secretary General of Bangladesh Passengers Welfare Association Mozammel Haque Chowdhury said, 22 percent of the passengers use rickshaw in the capital but there is still no policy in this regard. He thinks that to stop the fare anarchy government should take more initiatives. Passengers also demand for taking sharp steps by the government to bring one of the mass transport means under control. AH