As per the fresh 11-point restriction, imposed by the government to prevent new coronavirus variant Omicron, all buses will carry passengers of their half capacity without rising the bus fair from Saturday (Jan 15).
"Buses will carry passengers of their half capacity in compliance with health rules from Jan 15. However, in this case the rent is not increased. Bus owners will transport passengers by taking existing fares," said Chairman of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Nur Mohammad Mazumder on Wednesday (Jan 12).
He came up with the remarks after attending a meeting with the officials with transport owners and labor leaders at BRTA head office in the city, local media reported.
During the time, Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation General Secretary Osman Ali said that all the leaders, in the meeting, have agreed to bring all the drivers and assistants of the terminals under Covid-19 vaccination.
For this, it has been demanded to start immunization programme for transport workers on priority basis, he said, adding that apart from this, everyone has agreed to maintain social distancing, keeping sanitizer on the buses and ensuring wearing of mask.
Osman Ali further added that from their point of view, it has demanded to carry as many passengers as possible as public-private offices, mills and factories will remain open.
If all those will still remain open, then there is a possibility of creating a crisis in public transport, he said.
Considering the leader's remarks, the BRTA chairman assured the leaders of the transport sector that their demand would be sent to the concerned ministry as a proposal, he continued.
The concerned ministry will make the final decision after discussing the issue with the policy makers of the government, he said.
