Dhaka, Sept 22 (V6N) – Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said bus fare has been increased by 17 poisa per kilometre despite the transport owners' demand for a 20 poisa increase, following a meeting with stakeholders on bus fare adjustment at his secretariat office.
"The government decided to raise bus fare by 17 poisa per kilometre despite transport owners' demand for increasing by 20 poisa," he told journalists.
Alam said there is a rule for increasing fare by one poisa per kilometre against a Taka 1 fuel price hike per litre under the existing transport fare adjustment system. The minister said transport owners also demanded considering increased vehicle maintenance costs as well as the price hike of vehicle parts and accessories due to the increased dollar rate. "We have tried to fix a reasonable fare after considering everything," he said.
Alam said strict action would be taken to stop charging additional fare above the fixed rate. He urged transport owners, workers, businesses, law enforcement agencies and relevant government agencies to play responsible roles in this regard.
Regarding railway fares, Alam, also the railways minister, said there is no plan to increase railway fares this time either, similar to the last occasion of a fuel price hike by Tk 15 per litre.
The bus fare adjustment follows a recent increase in fuel prices, which prompted transport owners to seek a corresponding rise in fares. Under the existing formula, bus fares are adjusted based on fuel price changes, with the government balancing the interests of transport operators and passengers. The new fare is expected to take effect immediately, with authorities monitoring compliance to prevent overcharging. The government has also been working to improve public transport services and address the concerns of both operators and commuters.
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