Nearly 96 per cent of the CNG-run three-wheelers in the capital ply on contract basis, thus charging exorbitant fare from the passengers, a study has revealed.
According to the study, 91 per cent of the drivers, who charge fare according to the meter reading, also demand extra tips. Nonetheless 87 per cent of the drivers of such vehicles do not always want to go the passengers' desired destinations.
The observational study - 'How are the auto rickshaws running after economic lifespan?' - was conducted by Bangladesh Jatri Kollyan Samity (Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association) or BJKS.
The association, through a statement issued to the media on Sunday, said the authorities concerned have failed to establish good governance in the sector, even after extending the lifespan of those vehicles for four times and increasing the fare for four times.
"Even after a 60 per cent hike in the CNG-run auto rickshaw fare last time, the sector still remains undisciplined," the statement said.
BJKS conducted a survey for the study from the first to tenth of this month (March) in the city's 11 important areas - Jatrabari, Sadarghat, Gulistan, National Press Club, Paltan, Farmgate, Mirpur-10, Mohakhali and Airport. A total of 230 vehicles and 422 passengers were included in the survey.
According to the study, most of the CNG-run three-wheeler drivers go to the destinations on contract-basis defying meters. On the other hand, 91 per cent of the drivers, who run on meters, demand extra Tk 20 to Tk 50 per trip as tips.
Moreover, 48 per cent of the surveyed vehicles did not have due meters, as many CNG-run three-wheelers enter in the capital from the neighbouring areas defying the law.
"No promptness among the authorities concerned, including BRTA and traffic police, was seen in those 11 areas to check irregularities involving the CNG-run auto rickshaws from 8.00 am to 10.30 pm," the statement said.
Most of the surveyed passengers alleged that no auto rickshaw follows meter before 8.00 am and after 9.00 pm, and insists for contract hiring.
Drivers running on contract, charge extra fare ranging from 50 per cent to as high as 710.81 per cent than the usual fare according to meters, the study found.
BJKS identified lower number of vehicles comparing to the huge demand of passengers as one of the key reasons behind the anarchy in the sector.
The study made seven-point recommendations, including a move from the authorities concerned to launch 40,000 new vehicles in both Dhaka and Chittagong metropolitan areas.
It also suggested initiating auto rickshaw services either on the basis of smart-phone apps or through companies instead of mass-ownership at present.
Other suggestions include move to prevent meter-less and private auto rickshaws from running, ensuring passengers' participation in fixing fare, and proper enforcement of the existing laws.
BJKS also urged the government to fix profit-ceiling for importing CNG-run three-wheelers in the country, and also abolish their import duty.
It also called for ensuring transparency in registering new three-wheelers as well as for curbing corruption and irregularities.
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