13 top bus companies fined over fare

Authorities have fined 13 major bus companies for not showing fare chart and charging extra.

Directorate of National Consumer Rights Protection slapped the fine while raiding Darussalam and Sayedabad areas today as part of its market monitoring activities ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr.

“We warned them that no service will be allowed to charge extra without proper service,” Manjur Mohammad Shahriar, deputy director (Dhaka division) of the directorate, who led the drives, said.

He said as per the relevant law, showing fare chart is must but 11 companies were fined Tk 5,000 each for not displaying the fare chart at their counters.

The companies are Nabil Paribahan, Desh Travels, Shyamoli Paribahan, Shah Fateh Ali Paribahan, Ena Enterprise and Hanif Paribahan – all fined at Darussalam.

Other companies are: AK Travels, Starline Special, Dreamline, Ena Enterprise and Al-Baraka Paribahan at Sayedabad.

Manjur said they imposed Tk 20,000 to Himachal Paribahan for charging extra fare and Tk 10,000 to Himachal Paribahan for not proving quality service.

He said they will conduct the drive for next two three days and they will not allow any bus companies to charge extra fare, an allegation which is rampant during the Eid rush.

Mosharref Hossain, general manager of Hanif Paribahan, said they put up fare list in every counter, but the manager of Darussalam counter was not in when the drive was conducted. “We will remain alert to avert such incidents in the future.”