City’s inter-district bus stations have taken a busy look again as countrywide public transport services started Monday.
After repeated demands of the public transport owners and workers, the government has allowed them to resume inter-district transport services on condition of carrying half of the passengers than their capacity and strictly following health rules.
Gabtali, Abdullahpur, Jatrabari and Mohakhali bus stations were noticeably crowded with passengers who came to reach their destinations in comfort even though they had to pay 60 percent more than the average fare.
The Gabtali bus terminal was abuzz with the shouts of transport workers. The workers at counters were also happy to get passengers after days. They sold bus tickets leaving one seat vacant.
Passengers have expressed relief as well. They said they can go to their destinations without any suffering this time. Although the fare is 60 percent more but each empty seats next to them gave them a sense of relief from the fear of Coronavirus transmission.
A Kushtia-bound passenger Abdul Mukith told Bangladesh Post, "I did not go home before Eid as there was no bus available. Although many people rented pick-ups and microbuses, I stayed in the capital for health issues. Now that the bus service has been launched, it has been very convenient to go home."
Meanwhile, transport workers and owners are relieved as long-distance buses have been launched after a long time. Many of them have been in misery with their families as their source of income has been stopped for so long. This time the activity has returned to their lives.
Abid Islam Sohan, who is in charge of Hanif Paribahan's Gabtali counter, told Bangladesh Post, "We have been getting the expected number of passengers since morning. Our buses are running with half the passengers in compliance with all the health rules including spraying disinfectant in the buses and making it compulsory to wear masks for everyone."
It is to be noted that recently before and after Eid-ul-Fitr, public transport services were halted and people returning home and the capital had to suffer a lot in alternative transports. Many did not go home to avoid the hassles. With the resumption of long-distance transports people are now rushing to different districts to do their undone tasks and see their dear ones.
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