Bus operators expanding services in southwest
Bus operators -- both private and state-run -- are going to expand their services in the south-western region, following the inauguration of Padma Bridge on June 25.
Some of the major private operators, including those that provide luxury services, are planning to increase both the number of buses and destinations in different districts.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), which is now operating buses in three or four southern districts, is also planning to provide services in all districts of the region.
Besides, Green Line Paribahan, which provides AC-bus service on inter-district routes, will cut bus fares by up to Tk 200 in Khulna and Jashore routes.
Bus service through Padma Bridge is likely to see a boom, as operators think the direct connection between Dhaka and the south-western region will cut travel time, and increase fuel efficiency as well as the number of passengers.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will inaugurate the bridge on June 25. It will be opened to traffic at 6:00am the following day.
Once opened, the bridge will connect the capital to 21 south-western districts.
Almost all major operators will expand services to south-western districts. So, they may face tough competition to get more passengers.
BUSES, DESTINATIONS TO INCREASE
Abdus Sattar, general manager of Green Line Paribahan, said currently they are providing AC-bus service to go to Khulna via Magura and Khulna via Gopalganj and Benapole from Dhaka.
They will extend the service to Satkhira on June 26, he said, adding that they will also revive Dhaka-Barishal service, which remained halted for three years, he said.
They will launch services to Kuakata via Barishal and Patuakhali, he said. "We now operate 20 buses and will add 10 more after the bridge's inauguration."
He said bus service from Dhaka to Khulna currently takes around 11 hours. But after Padma Bridge opens, it will only take five hours, which will increase fuel efficiency.
"So, we have decided to reduce bus fare," he told The Daily Star yesterday.
He said bus fare from Dhaka to Khulna will cost Tk 1,200, instead of Tk 1,400, while fare for Dhaka-Barishal will be Tk 1,000, instead of Tk 1,200, and Dhaka-Benapole will be Tk 1,500, instead of Tk 1,600.
Hanif Paribahan and Shyamoli NR Travels also have plans to introduce AC buses for some new destinations, sources said.
Jahangir Alam Chowdhury, general secretary of Brihattaro Dakkhinbango Coach Bus Malik Samity, who operates some 40 buses under Sugandha and Parjatak Paribahan, said he kept operation of eight buses suspended for the last two years for different reasons.
"I will resume their operation after the bridge opens," he told this correspondent yesterday.
BRTC TO EXPAND SERVICE
BRTC Chairman Tazul Islam said currently they operate buses on Dhaka-Khulna, Dhaka-Jashore and Dhaka-Barishal routes.
"We are now planning to expand the services to all south-western districts, utilising Padma Bridge," he told The Daily Star yesterday.
The number of buses would be increased too, he said, adding that the final decision will be taken next week.
Khondaker Enayet Ullah, secretary general of Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association, however, is skeptical about business booming.
"Almost all major operators will expand services to south-western districts. So, they may face tough competition to get more passengers," he told The Daily Star yesterday.
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