Bus fares cut by Tk 0.05 per km

Bus fares of long-route and city services have been reduced by Tk 0.05 per kilometre for each passenger - two days after the government cut fuel price by Tk 5.0 per litre.
The bus fare-fixing committee in a meeting on Wednesday cut the fares from the rates fixed on August 06 in line with the unprecedented fuel price hike by Tk 40 per litre. The bus fares were increased at that time from 16 per cent to 22 per cent.
Announcing the fares after the meeting at BRTA Bhaban, Road Transport and Highways Division Secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri said long-route bus fare was fixed at Tk 2.15 from Tk 2.20, while the fare of city services in Dhaka and Chattogram at Tk 2.45 from Tk 2.50.
The bus fares for the cities under the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority have been fixed at Tk 2.35 per km for each passenger.
The secretary said the minimum fare for bus and minibus would remain the same at Tk 10 and Tk 8.0
While briefing the journalists, the secretary said the fares had been reduced based on a formula -Tk 0.01 reduction against reduction of fuel cost by Tk 1. As the cost of diesel was reduced by Tk 5 per litre, Tk 0.05 was reduced from all kinds of vehicles.
Replying to an allegation that bus fares are not followed as per the government instructions, the secretary said like the previous times, mobile courts would be deployed to fine those violating the government fixed rates.
After the last fare announcement, BRTA mobile courts fined 318 buses on allegations of demanding anomalous fares, he said, adding that actions would be taken this time around upon allegations.
The committee members, including secretary general of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners' Association Khandaker Enayet Ullah, were present at the briefing.

smunima@yahoo.com