The Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges has sanctioned a uniform bus fare increase of 17 poisha per kilometre across both inter-district long-distance routes and metropolitan transit networks, following a crucial stakeholders’ meeting on Tuesday, 22nd September. The decision directly impacts commuters navigating the capital city of Dhaka, alongside urban and regional bus services nationwide.
The regulatory adjustment follows a proposal submitted on Monday by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), which originally recommended an increase of 20 poisha per kilometre for inter-district services and 18 poisha per kilometre for urban transit. However, following discussions between transport operators and government officials, a unified 17-poisha rate was approved across all services.
Clarifying the decision, Member of Parliament for Pabna-5 and Chief Co-ordinator of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Sramik Dal central committee, Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, stated that public interest was the primary consideration in lowering the hike. “While government calculations initially indicated a 20-poisha requirement, a 3-poisha concession was granted to alleviate the public burden,” Mr Biswas explained. He added that bus owners would formalise the new arrangement alongside the BRTA, ensuring the lowered rate applies universally across all districts and metropolitan areas, with an official gazette notification expected imminently.
The policy change follows a significant surge in domestic fuel prices announced on 21st September, which saw diesel costs jump from 115 taka to 135 taka per litre—a steep 20-taka rise. Concurrently, government authorities revised price ceilings for petrol, octane, and kerosene. This marks the second major fare revision in recent months; back in April, a 15-taka increase in diesel prices led to an 11-poisha per kilometre adjustment in passenger bus tariffs.
Under the newly adjusted structure, the baseline rate for large buses operating in Dhaka and Chattogram rises from 2.53 taka to 2.70 taka per kilometre, while minibus rates advance from 2.42 taka to 2.59 taka. Long-distance 52-seater buses see their base tariff increase from 2.23 taka to 2.40 taka per kilometre. However, overall journey costs on inter-district lines will continue to fluctuate based on exact route distances, applicable highway and bridge tolls, and lower-density seating configurations—such as modified 40-seat non-AC coaches that command premium fares.
Addressing reports of premature fare hikes recorded across several Dhaka routes on Monday, Mr Biswas offered a firm warning against extortionate practices. Transport enforcement personnel and the Bus Owners’ Association will actively monitor transit hubs to discipline operators attempting to charge unapproved rates before the formal gazette takes legal effect.
