1,408 buses fined Tk 57.31 lakh for taking extra fares

Despite Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA)'s drive against charging extra bus fares in Dhaka and Chattogram city, many bus operators are still taking higher than the government fixed rate.

Shafiqul Islam, a private-job holder, told The Daily Star yesterday that bus conductors ask for Tk 20 for going to the capital's Farmgate from Mirpur 10, even though the actual fare would be around Tk 15.

"When some passengers protested and asked for BRTA's fare chart, some conductors agreed to take Tk 15. We have to deal with this hassle almost every day," said Shafiqul.

Quoting a conductor, he said owners charge operators high amounts, for which they themselves charge extra, otherwise they would only earn Tk 200 to 300 from the whole day's trips.

According to a press release of BRTA, the authority fined 1,408 buses a total of Tk 57.31 lakh for charging extra fares in Dhaka and Chattogram city in 30 days till December 8.

Nine mobile courts launched drives in the capital, while two were conducted in Chattogram city.

Among the 1,408 buses, 80 were CNG-run and 1,328 diesel-powered, said Sarwar Alam, director (enforcement) of BRTA.

During the month-long operation, 56 buses were sent to dumping stations for non-payment of fines and not having route permits, he said.

Five bus drivers faced imprisonment due to reckless driving and trying to intercept duties of government officials.

A list of 25 buses that were fined by magistrates thrice or more, due to taking extra fares, was sent to Dhaka Metro Regional Transport Committee for cancelling their route permit and taking legal action.