Decision on transport fare hike after Sept 10: Minister

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader today said the government will decide after September 10 about increasing the transport fare following a hike in the prices of gas.

“The decision to raise the transport fares will be taken after committees’ concerned place their recommendations in this regard,” he said while speaking at a press briefing at the Secretariat.

Quader said transport owners have already demanded that the fare be re-fixed following the hike in gas price. “The Transport Owners Association has sent a letter to the Road Transport and Highways Division requesting for re-fixing the fare.”

He also said the two committees concerned will sit with all stakeholders from September 5-10 and submit their recommendations taking into consideration the greater public interest after evaluating the real situation.

The decision to re-set the transport fare will be taken based on the recommendations and it will be announced later, the minister said.

Issuing a note of warning, he said legal steps will be taken if anyone is found charging extra from passengers. “We’ve received some complaints in this connection, and if the allegations are proved, legal steps will be taken against those responsible,” he said.