There are continuous allegations that both riders and passengers face terrible experiences while using different ride-sharing apps.
As per passengers, they have to pay higher fares for the distance of the same route while riders are saying they have to pay high commission to concerned apps.
Drivers, passengers are blaming each other for the issue of extra fare, non-acceptance of digital payment, and harassment of passengers.
Drivers do not want to use the app because a large part of the income has to be paid to the organizations as commission. Most drivers do not want to go without a contract.
Prova, a regular Uber (ride-sharing app) user said that she has to pay different amounts for the same route at the same time. When she tried to find out the reason behind this, the rider could not give an appropriate answer.
Similarly, while talking to an Uber rider it was learned that he has to pay a high commission to the company. Besides other expenses and maintenance is also there. That’s why they are reluctant to use apps and take passengers on condition. When this correspondent sent a mail to Uber authority to know further regarding these issues, the company refused to inform him anything.
However, it was learned that ride-sharing apps started their journey in the country in 2016. Later in 2018, they came under government policy. To determine the fare it was said to follow the Taxi service guideline 2010 but in reality, uber added their international standard with this.
As a result, fare changes based on demand and supply. On the other hand, if there are few vehicles on the app and passenger calling is higher, the fare will also go higher.
Former Chalo Technologies LTD. CEO Dewan Shuvo while talking to Bangladesh Post said, “Ridesharing app business is not profitable in our country. This type of business needs too much investment for which our company shut down. The fare in this sector cannot be bound with sudden guidelines. This always depends on demand and supply. Due to the lack of government support and investment local companies cannot compete in the market.”
However, BRTA director enforcement, Md. Sarwar Alam told Bangladesh Post, “A few days back we sat with ride-sharing apps where high fare and rider commission were also there among lots of allegations. However, if we get specific written allegations, we will surely take action against them.”
As seen by one of the traffic police, more than four lakh motorcyclists are taking rides in the capital.
On October 28, the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) said that if passengers were transported on a contract basis without sharing rides in the apps, action would be taken against the concerned drivers and passengers as per the law.
