Bangladesh says Uber can operate with cars registered for commercial use

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has said they will not bar app-based taxi service Uber to operate if it benefits the commuters.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 29 Nov 2016, 02:20 PM
Updated : 29 Nov 2016, 02:20 PM

Its chief said on Tuesday vehicles registered for private use cannot be used for the service.

Two days after the ride-hailing service was launched in Dhaka, the BRTA issued a public notice saying it violates the motor vehicles regulations.

On Tuesday, the San Francisco-based start-up's representatives Utsav Agarwal, Biplab Sharma and Kazi Zulkarnine met BRTA Chairman Md Nazrul Islam.

The Uber representatives, however, did not speak to the media after the meeting.

Islam told reporters, "BRTA has no problem with Uber's operation, but it has to be run with vehicles registered for commercial use, not the private ones."

He said they would also move on amending the laws, if needed, to allow such services to operate in Bangladesh.

Asked whether Uber can operate until then, the BRTA chief said they cannot use vehicles registered for private use.

"If they still do so, it will be illegal and the law enforcers will handle the matter. BRTA will operate mobile courts if we come to know about it." 

He said they had to make a public announcement on newspapers as they had little idea about Uber services and as it has no offices in Dhaka.

Taxi services in Bangladesh are regulated under the ‘Taxicab Service Guideline-2010’ and prospective companies must seek approval from Road Transport and Highways Division via the BRTA, the notice published on Friday read.

On Nov 22, Uber announced in a media statement that it has launched services in Dhaka.

The firm’s system is designed around drivers who use their personal cars to provide services to users who order taxis on their smartphones.

Individuals owning cars can register to become Uber drivers and earn fares by picking up passengers near their locations.

More than 5 million people in 74 countries and 450 cities ride Uber taxis every day, according to the global transport company.