Launch fares raised, no decision yet on trains, ferries

After fare hikes for buses following increases in prices for all types of fuel, the government has decided to also raise fares for launches.

The decision was announced after a meeting with launch owners on Wednesday by Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam.

For the first 100km, launch fares have been increased by Tk 0.23 per kilometre, while fares for distances beyond 100 kilometres have been raised by Tk 0.20 per kilometre.

The shipping minister said, “For passenger launches, the fare for the first 100 kilometres has been increased from Tk 2.95 to Tk 3.18 per kilometre.

“For distances exceeding 100 kilometres, the fare has been raised from Tk 2.52 to Tk 2.72 per kilometre, an increase of Tk 0.20.”

Regarding the decision not to increase train and ferry fares, Rabiul told bdnews24.com on Thursday: “So far, no decision has been made to increase train fares. We are trying to manage the situation without raising fares. We will try to keep the fares unchanged and adjust accordingly.

“Although ferries are incurring losses, efforts are being made not to increase fares in the public interest.”