Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam today said bus fare has been increased by 17 poisa per kilometer despite the transport owners’ demand of increasing the rate by 20 poisa.

“The government decided to raise bus fare by 17 poisa per kilometer despite transport owners’ demand for increasing by 20 poisa,” he told journalist after a meeting with stakeholders on bus fare adjustment at his secretariat office.

Alam said there is a rule for increasing fare by one poisha per kilometre against 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 price hike of vehicle parts and accessories due to 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 railways minister, said there is no plan to increase railway fares so far this time too likewise the last occasion of fuel price hike by Tk 15 per litre.