Bus crisis in Dhaka city

As buses are the cheapest mode of transportation and as Dhaka is one of the most densely populated cities, there is no alternative to availability of buses for smooth and affordable commuting. As said time and again, the city lacks sufficient number of buses required for the number of commuters. In almost all buses that ply on different routes in Dhaka city, there are more passengers on board than the seats can accommodate them. Sometimes they are so crammed that passengers discover themselves in a most wretched situation. Ideally there should be seating services but here the so-called seating services are only in name. It is always difficult, often impossible, for elderly people, women and children to board a crowded bus. People who are physically vulnerable, cannot avail of the bus services. An alternative transport costs them a lot of money although most of them cannot afford expensive mode of vehicle. If sufficient number of buses is there on Dhaka's different routes, the city dwellers would find some relief from traffic congestion created by too many modes of vehicles, among other factors. Average traffic speed in Dhaka city has now come down to 6.4 kilomtres per hour because of such a mix. Improving governance in transport sector, alongside allowing more private sector buses, could be at least one answer to the problems faced by the commuters.

Mostafizur Rahman

East West university, Dhaka