CNG Drivers to Be Fined Up to Tk 50,000 for Not Using Meters

Dhaka: The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has directed the police to file cases against CNG or petrol-driven auto-rickshaw drivers who charge fares exceeding the meter rate. According to the Road Transport Act, drivers found guilty of this offense may face fines of up to Tk 50,000.

The directive was issued in a letter signed by BRTA’s Director (Engineering) Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas on Tuesday, which has been forwarded to the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).

The letter calls for legal action against drivers of gas or petrol-powered four-stroke three-wheeler auto-rickshaws who are found charging passengers more than the government-approved meter fare.

It further mentions that under Section 35(3) of the Road Transport Act 2018, the owners or drivers of contract carriage vehicles are obligated to go to any destination within the route permit area and cannot demand or charge an extra amount beyond the fare displayed on the meter. Violation of this law can lead to a fine of up to Tk 50,000, imprisonment for up to six months, or both penalties. Additionally, the driver's license may incur one demerit point.

In Dhaka and Chittagong cities, there are separate guidelines for nearly 28,000 auto-rickshaws. These vehicles are categorized as contract carriers, with fixed fares and daily deposit requirements for the owners. Currently, the daily deposit for auto-rickshaw owners is set at Tk 900, but drivers have claimed that owners collect between Tk 1,600 to Tk 1,800 from them in two installments per day.

The minimum fare for auto-rickshaws (for the first two kilometers) is set at Tk 40; however, passengers have complained that short distances cannot be covered for less than Tk 150. Although the fare for each additional kilometer is set at Tk 12, many drivers do not follow this rule.

CNG auto-rickshaws were introduced in Dhaka and Chittagong in 2003, replacing the old baby taxis, with the condition that they would operate based on a meter and transport passengers to their desired destinations. However, city dwellers have long claimed that these conditions have never been fully adhered to, with fares often being set by the drivers as they wish.

Under the new directive, the BRTA has warned that strict actions will be taken against CNG auto-rickshaw drivers who fail to adhere to the meter-based fare system.