Passengers yet to be sold on Nagar Paribahan
Although commuters travelling by the red-and-green buses of Dhaka Nagar Paribahan (DNP), currently in its pilot phase since launching late last year, have expressed their satisfaction with its services so far, the DNP is yet to attract a sizeable crowd.
Those who did ride on the bus said they like it for its disciplined service and reasonable fare, along with the ease in buying tickets and designated bus stops.
But despite this quality service delivery, the buses were still found running at less-than capacity. Their common complaints include the buses being too slow, which means the queues get longer at the designated stops.
This drives many of these passengers to take the otherwise rough-driving, higher fare-charging bus services, simply because they can make them reach their destinations faster.
Drivers, conductors and helpers of the service have expressed their woes over the matter. "It is disappointing for us as we are providing the promised better services," said Karim, a conductor.
One passenger, private service-holder Jafar Alam, said the low number of vehicles from the service is failing to meet the demand, which is why the queues are long at bus stops. "The wait is almost unbearable during office time, but I still take it because of the quality of its service."
He also said he only pays around half the amount compared to other bus services. "I pay Tk 21 for the same trip that private companies charge Tk 40 for."
Another regular passenger, retail shop-owner Rafsan Khan said he too likes the service but is wary of its lag. "I think it can get more passengers if it uses the Mayor Hanif Flyover to pass from Kajla to Gulistan, as that route is faster," he suggested.
"The route plan should be re-rationalised if the authorities want to attract more passengers," he said..
To take advantage of this situation, private buses were seen parked near DNP bus stops, to pick up frustrated passengers when the buses take too long to arrive.
In-charge of DNP's Kanchpur counter Mohammad Ali said the low number of passengers can also be attributed to not placing counters at the right spots.
Meanwhile, Shahbagh's counter manager, wishing anonymity, said DNP is losing out on commuters due to these private service buses who pick up and drop off passengers everywhere.
The manager of Shahbagh counter said that their buses do not carry passengers without the designated place while other transports are picking up and dropping off passengers everywhere. "Our service will be in crisis if such practices are not stopped," he said.
Contacted, Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) Executive Director Neelima Akhter said, "We are aware of the situation. This is a new system, still in its pilot phase, so it will take some time."
The government launched the 'Dhaka Nagar Paribahan' on December 26 under the bus route rationalisation programme of the two Dhaka city corporations on trial basis, aiming to streamline the public transport sector and reduce traffic jams in the capital city.
At the initial stage, 50 buses are being operated on the route, which will be increased to 100 in phases, while the entire city will get the service by 2023.
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