The buses will start running at half of their capacity across Bangladesh from Saturday [January 15] to ensure social distances without an increase in bus fare, said the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority chairman Nur Mohammad Mazumder.
The decisions were taken on Wednesday at a meeting organised by the BRTA at its headquarters with the officials concerned and transport owners’ leaders.
After the meeting, Nur Mohammad Mazumder said that the public buses would run at their half capacity following health regulations from January 15.
‘Few days ago, the bus fare was increased and that is why it is not logical for us to increase bus fare again now,’ he said.
Following the request of the transport owners and workers’ associations, the authority would give two proposals to the road transport and bridges ministry on Thursday for consideration, he continued.
The chairman said that the proposals are – taking passengers on all seats and bringing all transport workers under vaccination under crash programme.
The government on Monday issued 11 guidelines, including mandatory use of facemask and ban on rallies and public gatherings on social, religious and political purposes until further notice, with effect from Thursday [January 13] as daily Covid cases and test positivity are on the rise.
Train, bus and launches may operate at their half capacity, said the new order, leaving it on relevant authorities for making it effective including with date, clear instructions.
The drivers and their assistants in all types of vehicles must be vaccinated, the order said.
