DHAKA: The government has increased fares for public buses up to 60 percent with effect from June 1, 2020.

A gazette notification was issued by the Road, Transport and Bridges Ministry on Sunday afternoon.

According to the circular, two passengers cannot sit together to maintain social distancing. One seat has to be kept vacant between two passengers. 

Buses cannot carry more passengers that the number of seats mentioned as per their registration certificates. No standing passengers will be allowed, it said.

Health guidelines need to be followed while transporting passengers, the circular added.

Earlier in the day, Road, Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader, during a videoconference from his residence in Dhaka, said “The proposed bus fare by Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will be reduced.”

BRTA earlier on Saturday recommended raising bus fare by 80% in order to compensate bus owners carrying 50 percent less passengers to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.

BDST: 1542 HRS, MAY 31, 2020
SMS