The CNG run auto-rickshaw drivers in the city on Monday demanded to stop apps-based transport services like Uber and Pathao, that made their livelihood difficult.
The passengers alleged that the CNG driver charges 70 to 100 percent additional fare than the government fixed rate. Besides, they also denied to take passengers to their desired destinations.
Meanwhile, the CNG Auto-rickshaw Workers’ Union Council at a human chain held in front of the National Press Club yesterday announced a strike in Dhaka and Chittagong from November 27.
The CNG drivers also demanded an end to the extra rent charged by auto-rickshaw owners. Some of them said if this state of affair continues, they will be forced to leave the profession and return to their homes.
All the passengers use motorcycles or cars now. They only use CNGs when they are desperate. Some days we make Tk 200-300 after deposits. Some days we don’t even make that. The owners don’t lower the deposit either, a CNG run auto-rickshaw driver said.
Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) Chairman Md Moshiar Rahman has said that for this situation, the auto-rickshaw drivers are themselves responsible.
“If they used to take fare as per meter and went to the passengers’ destinations, people would use them,” he said.
Two years ago, the government set the fare per kilometre travelled and the daily deposit to owners in order to
bring order to transport services with the consent of drivers and owners. Despite a near-doubling of the fare in the process, drivers soon became unwilling to charge only metered fares.
The introduction of app-based service ‘Uber’ to Dhaka a few months ago has resulted in increased demand for travel by car. A number of other ride services, including Pathao, Cholo, Share A Motorcycle (SAM), Amar Bike, Amar Ride and Moyur, have also become popular.
Since the ride-sharing apps started we have many options. They come when we need them. The fare is affordable. This is why they are surpassing the auto-rickshaws in popularity, said Rabiul Haque, a businessman of Eskaton.
Pathao says it has nearly 500,000 users.
All the passengers use motorcycles or cars now. They only use CNGs when they are desperate. Some days we make Tk 200-300 after deposits. Some days we don’t even make that. The owners don’t lower the deposit either, said a number of drivers.
