Non-compliant drivers punished

CNG auto-rickshaw drivers queue up with their meters at a workshop in the capital's Eskaton to recalibrate those for the new fare yesterday.Photo: Amran Hossain

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) yesterday filed 132 cases against CNG-run autorickshaws and their drivers, and realised Tk 92,690 in fine from them for not installing or going by new fare meters.
BRTA, in association with Dhaka district administration, conducted five mobile courts at Tejgaon, Paltan, Shahbagh, Manik Miah Avenue and Ramna areas in the capital, said Tapon Kumar Sarkar, director (enforcement) of BRTA.
During the drive, the mobile courts ensured CNG drivers go by meters instead of forcing the passengers to travel on contract fares, and collected seal from BRTA after tuning their meters according to new fare, Tapon added.
The mobile courts started the drive at 11:00am and continued till 4:00pm.
The drive began three days after a new rate of fare for CNG-run three-wheelers was made effective on January 16. The charge for the first two km has been increased to Tk 25 from Tk 14 and for each subsequent km Tk 7 from Tk 6. The minimum fare was raised to Tk 25 from Tk 18.
Many CNG drivers still could not reset their meters in compliance with new fare and collect seals from BRTA.
Some of them complained that the company, responsible for tuning new rate of fare in the meter, is charging extra amount.
Around 50 CNG-run three-wheelers were found waiting in front of Distributions One (BD) Ltd at 2:00 pm to tune their meters.
Manna, a CNG driver, complained the company is charging Tk 600 for a censor cable, which was Tk 180 earlier.
Shah Alam, an executive of Distributions One (BD) Ltd, said they are not charging extra amount for any parts. "We have been charging Tk 600 for a censor cable and Tk 600 for a DC cable."
He said they have so far set up 6,000 metres in CNG-run three- wheelers.
The drive of the mobile courts will resume today.