Rajshahi, Mar 22 (V7N)– As millions prepare to travel home for Eid, passengers are facing significant inconveniences due to inflated bus fares and the practice of demanding "baksis" (tips) by bus counter staff.

Reports indicate that bus fares, particularly on routes to North Bengal, have increased dramatically, with AC bus fares seeing a rise of 700 to 1500 taka compared to regular rates. Passengers are also being pressured to pay extra "baksis" to counter staff.

"The incident of increasing bus fares and charging extra money on the occasion of Eid has become a norm. Every year, such complaints come from regular bus passengers. This year too is no exception," a local traveler reported.

Zubair Ahmed, traveling from Dhaka to Chittagong, recounted being pressured to pay two separate "baksis" to the counter staff after purchasing his ticket. Golam Murtaza, traveling to Rajshahi, noted a 700 taka increase in his AC bus fare compared to last month.

"I went to Rajshahi on the same bus last month for 1,100 taka per seat. The fare of this bus was 1,100 taka for the journey 10 days ago. Now it has increased by 700 taka for no reason," Murtaza said.

Lincoln Md. Lutforzaman Sarkar pointed out the extreme fare hikes on the Dhaka-Rangpur route, where AC bus fares have surged from 1400 taka to as high as 3000 taka.

"The fare is increased every year on the occasion of Eid, it has become a rule. But the fare of 1400 taka is being charged up to 2500, 2800 and 3000 taka! How logical this is should be considered," Sarkar stated.

Bus owners attribute the AC bus fare increases to the lack of government-regulated fares, allowing them to set prices based on vehicle type and operational costs. They also claim that the one way travel during Eid, and empty return trips contribute to the cost.

"We have repeatedly asked BRTA to fix the fare of AC buses, but they have not done so," said Hanif Enterprise General Manager Mosharraf Hossain.

Shyamoli NR Travels Managing Director Subhankar Ghosh Rakesh added, "The fare of AC cannot be put in one category. Because some use Hyundai buses, some use One-J, some use Leland, some give sleeper, some give semi-sleeper. It has not been possible to determine the fare of so many categories."

The Bangladesh Road Transport Owners Association has assured that action will be taken against staff demanding excessive "baksis." However, they maintain that the fare increases are justified due to operational costs and the lack of government regulation for AC bus fares.

BRTA Chairman Md. Yasin has acknowledged the complaints and promised to investigate.

"This is not right. Still, I am giving the specifics," said BRTA Chairman Md. Yasin.

Passengers are urged to check government-determined fare charts at bus counters and report any discrepancies. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges of fare regulation and passenger rights during peak travel periods.

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