More talks needed over half bus fare: BRTA chairman

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder today said they need to hold more discussions on various issues, including compensation for transport owners, if half fare on public buses is set. 

"We have discussed about what kind of subsidy is needed to run operations if half bus fare is set. More discussion is needed in this regard," he said.

The BRTA chairman was talking to reporters after a meeting between high officials of BRTA and leaders of bus owners' association and transport workers' federation was held at the BRTA office.

He said the education ministry has been asked to provide a report regarding who the half fare will be applicable for, and identity card for the students.

"We will take a decision after discussing these issues as soon as possible," the chairman said.

He said the government has approved to reduce fares by half for students travelling on BRTC buses. BTRC will issue a gazette notification in this regard. The new fare for BRTC buses will be effective from December 1.

At the meeting, the transport leaders placed several proposals, including the formation of a taskforce.