Only a few community rickshaws in Gulshan-Banani

Although Dhaka North City Corporation introduced ‘community rickshaw’ services aiming much publicity, only a few were seen plying on the streets of Niketon area today.

The DNCC yesterday inaugurated the much talked about service consisting of 500 special rickshaws and 20 air-conditioned buses to operate in Gulshan, Banani and Niketan areas.

But today, the Daily Star found that only 50 rickshaws had hit the streets of Niketon.

Painted in yellow and black, these rickshaws have been given new numbers and all the riders’ have got identity cards.

A list of fare for ride to 20 destinations within the area has been attached to these rickshaws, sparing the passengers from the hassle of bargaining.

The DNCC directives say rickshaw-pullers must not demand additional fares; they must carry passengers to wherever they want to go within the designated areas; pullers must wear particular uniform and their ID cards should be fastened around their neck; and must not carry more than two adult passengers at a time.

Besides, the rickshaw-pullers have been asked to call hotline number 01715882117 to inform anything they consider suspicious.

Authorities told The Daily Star that the remaining of the 500 rickshaw would hit the streets in Gulshan and Banani areas within a few days.