Eid rush triggers higher bus, rickshaw, motorcycle fares

With Eid-ul-Fitr approaching, homebound people have begun leaving the capital. As Monday (March 16) was the last working day for government employees, there has been an overwhelming rush of passengers since morning at bus terminals, railway stations, and launch terminals across the capital, Dhaka.

However, commuters are facing significant difficulties in reaching the terminals. Allegations have emerged that transport operators—buses, rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and motorcycles—are charging double fares on the pretext of Eid bonuses.

On Tuesday (March 17), visits to different parts of the capital revealed that drivers are demanding significantly higher fares than usual. In many cases, passengers are being refused service if they do not agree to pay the increased rates.

Ahmed Ali, who was waiting to travel from Moghbazar to Kamalapur Railway Station, said that although the usual fare on a Balaka bus is Tk 10, he was being asked to pay Tk 20.

Amina Khatun shared a similar complaint. “I survive on charity. How can I pay Tk 20 when the fare is Tk 10? I have been waiting for one and a half hours but could not board any bus,” she said.

Faruk, a helper on a Balaka bus, claimed that passengers willingly pay extra fares during Eid. “We are not forcing anyone. Everyone is going home to celebrate Eid with their families, while we stay in Dhaka to help them reach their destinations,” he said.

Badal, a student waiting at the Shantinagar intersection to travel to Sadarghat launch terminal, said the usual fare of Tk 20 has risen to Tk 30. “Even after telling them I am a student, they did not agree. I had to let two buses go,” he said.

Aksad Ali also faced similar issues while heading to Sayedabad bus terminal. When he was asked to pay Tk 40 instead of the usual Tk 20, he was eventually allowed to board after agreeing to Tk 30. Expressing frustration, he said, “The minister has said that extra fares should not be charged. Then why are passengers still being overcharged? Action should be taken against those responsible.”

Not only buses, but rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and motorcycles are also reportedly charging extra fares. From Moghbazar Wireless to Kamalapur, rickshaw and auto-rickshaw drivers are demanding Tk 100, whereas the usual fare is around Tk 50.

Auto-rickshaw driver Md Sumon said, “There are fewer passengers now, and we have to pay daily deposits for our vehicles. We need to earn from fares to support our families. Passengers will go home to celebrate Eid, and we also expect some bonus or tips.”

Meanwhile, a motorcycle rider demanded Tk 150 for a trip from Moghbazar Wireless to Kamalapur Railway Station. The driver, Habib, said fares through ride-sharing apps are lower, but direct negotiation brings higher earnings.

Another motorcycle rider, Sabbir, was asked why he charges Tk 150 when app-based fares are around Tk 80. He replied, “Take it or leave it.”