The New Nation - Internet Edition

THE government has asked for bringing down bus fare following twelve-percent reduction of prices of diesel, kerosene, petrol and octane. This price adjustment of fuel oil has been done in the wake of fall of oil price in the international market. The government had raised oil prices by 36 percent at the beginning of the new fiscal year, when fuel oil prices skyrocketed internationally. Though the present price cut is just one-third of the previous increase, this is for the first time that prices of fuel oil have been reduced. The decision to review the price structure every three months to adjust with price fluctuations in the international market hopefully would be pursued by successive governments.

The Ministry of Communication has decided to reduce bus fare by Tk 0.12 to Tk 0.16 per kilometre and discuss the issue with bus owners. Transport owners however are reportedly reluctant to reduce fares on city routes on the plea that most of the buses here are fueled by compressed natural gas (CNG), the price of which has not been reduced. The authorities should now ensure implementation of its decision so that the benefits of price reduction go to the members of the public. The price cut of fuel oil should also be reflected in the adjustment of cargo transport fares for the benefit of consumers.

The city commuters do not get the benefit of reduced fare declared by the government. The drivers of taxicabs and CNG-run three-wheelers have gone back to the old practice of haggling. They demand exorbitant fares at will and cheat passengers by tempering with meters. They refuse to go to the desired destinations of passengers. Something needs to be done urgently to relieve commuters of such harassment.