CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) auto rickshaw drivers who charge passengers beyond the designated meter rates will face a fine of up to 50 thousands Taka, according to a new directive from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA). The BRTA has instructed the police to file cases against such drivers.
The directive was issued on Monday, in a letter signed by Shitangshu Shekhar Biswas, Director of Engineering at BRTA. The letter was sent to the Commissioner of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP).
The letter highlighted that the BRTA is addressing complaints of overcharging by drivers of 4-stroke, gas or petrol-powered three-wheeler auto rickshaws, urging authorities to take action.
According to the 2018 Road Transport Act, Section 35(3), any owner or driver of a contract carriage is required to go to any destination within their route permit area without demanding or charging fares beyond the meter rate. Violators of this rule could face imprisonment of up to six months, a fine of up to 50,000 Taka, or both, as per Section 81 of the same law. Additionally, the driver’s license may be penalized with a point deduction for such offenses.
As per the new directive, the BRTA has requested that the relevant authorities file cases against CNG and petrol-powered auto rickshaw drivers who are found to be overcharging passengers beyond the regulated meter fare.
