Meter use for CNG-run auto-rickshaws

It is nothing new that most of the CNG-run auto-rickshaw drivers in Dhaka city do not charge fares according to reading of meters. It is an open secret that the law enforcers even know that they have been forcing commuters to pay exorbitant rates, in flagrant violation of traffic rules year after year. The authorities concerned have declared on many occasions that all CNGs plying the roads must have functional pay-meters installed with them and the passengers would be charged fares accordingly. Yet, most CNG drivers refuse to accept fares as per the meter reading and the most common excuse is almost always that the roads are congested. Another excuse is that the owners of the auto-rickshaws they are driving are charging them unreasonably high rent money, which forces them to charge passengers more.

This practice must come to an end. The authorities should ensure that auto-rickshaw drivers comply with their directives. The traffic police must also play their due role in ensuring that auto drivers obey the fare meter rules. However, we must not forget that the public transportation system remains the main challenge and long-term sustainable solutions lie in overhauling it.

Afroza Sheikh,

Dania, Dhaka,

ilcbd2008@gmail.com