Government raises diesel bus, minibus fares nationwide.
The government has revised fares for diesel-run buses and minibuses taking into consideration the increase in diesel prices and the present cost of bus operations.
The Road Transport and Highways Division issued the notification on September 22 in this regard.
Under the new decision, the passenger fare per kilometre for buses operating in Dhaka and Chattogram city areas has been increased from taka 2.53 to taka 2.70.
Similarly, fares for inter-district and long-distance buses and minibuses have been fixed at taka 2.40 per kilometre, up from taka 2.23.
Besides, the fare for minibuses operating in Dhaka and Chattogram city areas, as well as buses and minibuses operating in Dhaka, Narayanganj, Munshiganj, Narsingdi, Gazipur and Manikganj districts under the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), has been increased from taka 2.43 to taka 2.60 per kilometre. The government revised the fares under section 34(2) of the Road Transport Act, 2018.
The new fares came into effect on September 22. At the same time, all previous notifications and orders concerning the fares of diesel-run buses and minibuses have been repealed.
According to the notification, the minimum fare for buses operating in Dhaka and Chattogram city areas has been set at taka 10 while the minimum fare for the minibuses has been fixed at taka 8. As a result, the prescribed minimum fare will apply even to passengers travelling short distances.
However, the revised fares will not apply to gas-run buses and minibuses. The increased fares will therefore be applicable only to diesel-run buses and minibuses.
The notification also stated that if the number of seats on a bus or minibus is reduced and rearranged from the number approved by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) for passenger comfort, the prescribed fare must be revised proportionately.
In such cases, the authority approving the route permit must obtain approval for the proportionate fare from the BRTA Passenger and Goods Transport Committee.
Displaying the new fare rates at a visible location on every bus and minibus has been made mandatory. This will enable passengers to easily know the approved fare for the respective route.
The notification said the new fares were determined by adjusting the fares fixed by the Road Transport and Highways Division on April 23.
As a result, fares for city buses, inter-district and long-route buses and minibuses, and buses and minibuses operating in DTCA areas have increased by 17 paisa per kilometre.
Officials concerned said that, apart from fuel costs, bus operators also incur expenses for maintenance, spare parts, workers' wages and other operational costs. The fare adjustment was made considering changes in these expenses.
However, transport operators cannot charge fares higher than the prescribed rates. Any transport owner, driver or other person concerned who collects fares in excess of the approved rates may face legal action.
Copies of the notification have been sent to the Road Transport and Highways Division, BRTA, DTCA, Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), police, highway police and other relevant agencies to take necessary action in this regard.
