Transport owners, workers unhappy over increased bus fare in Jessore

Transport owners and workers allege that bus fares have been increased by 11 paisa per kilometre, not in line with the increased oil prices.

Transport owners and workers have alleged that the increase in bus fares by 11 paisa per kilometre has not been coordinated with the fuel price hike, saying that the discrepancy between the fuel price increase and the government’s announced transport fares will create anarchy with passengers at the field levels.

It is noted that Jessore is known as the gateway to the southwestern region. Buses and transport travel on 18 district and inter-district routes from this city.

Mortarja Hossain, general secretary of the Jessore Bus Owners and Workers Union, said, “The fare increase by the government is contrary to the reality. Bus owners and workers will not accept this.”

“The government has not increased the fare to a satisfactory level. We are on the road with the previous fare. However, we are looking at the central leaders in this regard.”

Muslim Uddin Pappu, president of the Jessore Minibus and Bus Owners Association, said, “There is unrest in the country over fuel. Many of us have reduced the number of buses on the road. 

“Almost all the owners are driving with subsidies,” he added.

He further said, “In such a situation, the fare that the government has fixed is not satisfactory. Even then, we welcomed it. We will hold a meeting soon to discuss it. Then we will make a decision.”