The tolls on the elevated expressways, flyovers and bridges are high in the country. On average, the toll charged for these physical infrastructures have increased by 15 per cent. The annual tolls increased in the last five years. So, the cost of getting the benefits of flyovers and expressways also increased. Travel has become more expensive. It is a kind of penalty for the regular user of these infrastructures.
In some cases, they avoid using these infastructures. But the alternative routes are already in chaos. Thus, they have to face the traffic congestion. Moreover, the alternative ways are usually longer. So, commuters have to spend extra time for no reason. It is, however, not possible to avoid the bridges.
It is argued that an increase in toll is necessary to fund the maintenance of the infrastructure. Due to corruption and irregularities, the maintenance cost is also higher. So, it is better to curb corruption. Then, there will be a reduction in the cost of maintenance. Moreover, authorities need to introduce a cost-saving and sustainable public transport system.
Mashura Mahmud Shupty
Student of Department of Management
North South University, Dhaka
mashura.shupty@northsouth.edu