Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Sunday said the government has fixed bus fares at rational rates amid the ongoing coronavirus crisis, minimising the proposed fares of Bangladesh Road Transportation Authority (BRTC), reports BSS.
“The ministry has fixed bus fares at rational rates amid the coronavirus crisis, minimising the proposed fares of BRTC. A gazette notification will be issued today (Sunday) to this end,” he said.
Quader, also Awami League general secretary, said this while talking to the officials of the Road Transport and Highways Division through videoconferencing from his official residence.
He sought cooperation of the bus owners’ and workers’ associations in enforcing the newly fixed bus fares and maintaining health guidelines in public transportations.
The road transport minister said adjusting bus fares with an 80 percent hike will create extra burden on the country’s people.
“The government must consider the passengers’ interest and it has to provide support to the transport sector too,” he added. At this crisis moment, he said, considering the financial capacity of the people, the government has adjusted the bus fares bringing it to a rational level and minimising the proposed bus fares.
Highlighting the government-set conditions in plying vehicles amid COVID-19 crisis, Quader said 50 percent seats of a bus must remain vacant. He urged all the passengers, bus drivers, helpers and counter workers to follow the health guidelines and use masks.
The minister expressed satisfaction over the Annual Development Programme (ADP) implementation of the Roads and Highways Department and asked the officials concerned to complete the works of the ongoing projects speedily.
He instructed the project chiefs to ensure guidelines for project workers and pay their salaries and arrears.
Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary Md Nazrul Islam and senior officials of the division were present.
