Taxi cab service by name only
Though taxicab service is essential in city life, but we do not get the desired service form the existing taxicab service provider companies. Moreover, taxicabs have become rare nowadays in the city street albeit about 11,000 taxicabs were launched during the last 10 years’ (1998-2010) period. Most of the cabs are now out of order. BRTA announced to induct more 500 taxicabs but only 250-300 were in service in the city till last July.
However, the service quality of the newly launched taxicabs is excellent but the fare is too high for the city citizenries. For the first two kilometers, it is Tk 85, after that it is Tk 34 km/p. In our neighboring country India, it is just Tk 31.36 for the first two km/p and Tk 15 per km/p after that.
Furthermore, taxicabs are not available on time due to unenviable street and traffic jam. If any one calls for taxicab over phone, then there will be Tk 20 extra charge, in addition to this, the clever taxi drivers activate the meter when they get the phone call.
Such practice needs to be changed for the sake of the city dwellers, who are suffering much.
Shatil Arab (a student)
Dhaka
