The bus and train will run with 50% passengers of carrying capacity in the wake of a spike in coronavirus infection. The government, however, has increased the bus fares by 60% across the country.
Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader at a press briefing on Tuesday said that the decision was taken after the government issued an 18-point directive to curb the spread of coronavirus in the country.
He said that the passengers of buses will have to pay the additional fares from Wednesday and the order will be in effect for the next two weeks.
On Monday, the government issued an 18-point directive including restriction on all public gatherings due to the rapid rise of Covid-19 cases.
After receiving the instructions, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) held a meeting at its headquarters at Banani in the capital on Monday evening. The meeting decided to operate buses with 50% passengers of carrying capacity and refixed the fare. According to the decision of BRTA, public transports have to maintain 50% occupancy and follow health guidelines, said BRTA chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Railway started selling 50% tickets of the train's capacity- 25% at the counters and 25% online from Tuesday. However, the train fare has not been increased. According to a press release, trains will run with 50% passengers of carrying capacity from tomorrow (April 1).
Sardar Shahadat Ali, Additional Director General (operations) of Bangladesh Railway said, four layers of safety measures would be ensured at each station and trains would operate in compliance with hygienic rules. Disinfectant will be sprayed in the train. There will be hand sanitizers for passengers and no one will be allowed to enter the station without mask.
