Keeping unfit buses off the road

The quality of bus fleets in Dhaka city is very poor. Most of the buses and minibuses in the capital lack a decent look with their bodies carrying innumerable dents and their paints gone long ago. According to the media, close to half a million vehicles without fitness certificates are currently plying our roads. And it would be of no surprise to see more tragic road accidents in the future.

Usually, buses and minibuses are the preferred modes of travel for the majority of residents. But the current bus fleets are not friendly to all passengers. In the absence of better alternatives, we often have to endure long delays and overcrowding. All these translate into sufferings and loss of health and money on a daily-basis. The existing bus service in Dhaka city is far below the minimum standard. The authorities concerned should ensure quality and passenger-friendly bus service to reduce people's dependence on private vehicles. The authorities and public transport companies should come forward to help build a properly planned and managed transport network. At the same time, unfit buses should be kept off the roads of Dhaka as soon as possible.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

ilcbd2008@gmail.com