Launch fare hike kept low considering public hardship: Rabiul

Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam has said the minimum launch fare was increased only slightly, keeping public hardship in mind.

He made the remarks in response to a question while briefing reporters on the launch fare hike after a bilateral meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday afternoon.

The minister said launch fares had been raised following the increase in fuel prices, after bus fares were adjusted. He said, however, no decision has yet been taken to increase train fares.

“There is considerable pressure from the Railways Ministry to raise fares; otherwise, losses will increase. However, we have not decided to raise rail fares. I have instructed officials to maintain the existing fares without increasing them,” he said.

He said the government would make every effort to keep rail fares unchanged. If fares have to be increased, the hike would be reasonable, he added.

Regarding launch fares, Rabiul said vessel owners had demanded a 15% increase, citing higher fuel prices and operating costs.

“Considering the interests of passengers, we have increased fares by 7.54%,” he said.

The minimum launch fare has also been increased from Tk32 to Tk35.

The minister said fare increases were undesirable but unavoidable following the rise in fuel prices amid the global situation.

“We have tried to keep the minimum fare increase as low as possible considering public hardship,” he said, adding that the government had not allowed anyone to act arbitrarily by exploiting the fare hike or the increase in fuel prices.

Asked about CNG-run vehicles, he said there was no scope to increase their fares as CNG prices had not risen.

“Necessary action will be taken if any instance of charging higher fares is reported,” he said.