Bangladesh hikes bus fares by Tk 0.11 per km

The increase in fuel oil prices has now impacted transport fares

Bus fares have been hiked by Tk 0.11 per kilometre as the conflict in the Middle East has raised diesel prices.

Bus and minibus fares in the Dhaka and Chattogram metropolitan areas have been raised from Tk 2.42 per km to Tk 2.53 per km.

Meanwhile, the prices of long-haul buses have been raised from Tk 2.12 per km to Tk 2.23 per km.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam announced the new rates at the Secretariat on Thursday.

The minister said, "This fare adjustment will be effective for diesel-powered vehicles. The fare has been increased by Tk 0.11 per km across Chattogram, inter-district routes, and metropolitan areas.

“At the same time, this increase will also be applicable in the DTC (Dhaka Transport Corporation) area.

“There is already a specific formula for determining fares in line with changes in fuel prices. This decision has been taken according to that formula."

If Oil Prices Drop, Fares will Drop

Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association had initially demanded a fare hike of about Tk 0.28 per km.

Later, after discussions, it was reduced to Tk 0.11 per km.

Regarding the new decision, Minister Rabiul Awal said: "The fare on the Dhaka-Chattogram Highway will increase to Tk 2.53 per km (previously it was Tk 2.42). The fare per kilometre on the inter-district routes will be Tk 2.23 (previously Tk 2.12). The fare per kilometre in the DTC area will be Tk 2.43 (previously Tk 2.32).

The minimum fare of Tk 8 and Tk 10 will remain unchanged, he added.

The new fares will take effect from Thursday.

He also said the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will issue a notification with detailed instructions.

Authorities will ensure compliance so that passengers are not charged beyond the fixed rates.