Existing CNG autorickshaws not enough for city dwellers

Leaders of Bangladesh Autorickshaw Drivers Cooperative Federation at the press conference. PHOTO: STAR

While the federation leaders believe the number of autorickshaws should be increased to ease the transport problem, officials of the BRTA said the government would not permit any more three-wheelers on the streets of Dhaka.

"The main reason for the altercation between drivers and passengers is that there are very little number of autorickshaws plying the city streets. Because of the high demand, drivers often charge more money and ignore passengers' request," said Moazzem Hossain, chairman of the federation at a press conference on May 14.

"If the number of autorickshaws increases, it will ease the transport problem and bring an end to the commuters' sufferings," he added.

After the government implemented its decision to increase CNG autorickshaw fare from May 1, the sector plunged into a total chaos as most drivers are yet to install new meters and continue to charge extra amount from the commuters.

The federation leaders argued that when the two-stroke autorickshaws were banned there were around 40,000 three-wheelers in operation that played a vital role in city transportation system. But only 13,000 CNG autorickshaws have replaced them.

Moreover, after 2004 the government has not allowed any more registration of CNG autorickshaws although the demand for transport has increased considerably.

The government introduced environmentally-friendly CNG autorickshaws in 2001 after phasing out the two-stroke three-wheelers to improved air quality in the city.

Sources from the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) on the other hand said the government would not permit any more three-wheelers on the streets of Dhaka. The last fleet received registration by June 2004.

Dr SM Saleh Ahmed, additional executive director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Board (DTCB), said, "Not just pollution, CNG autorickshaws cause traffic congestions in the city. It requires more space but carries very little number of passengers."

"Upgrading transport services for more efficient use of limited space is therefore critical for ensuring people's mobility and improving their quality of life," he added.

"The government is keen on promoting public buses on the streets of Dhaka," he said.

Dhaka is one of the most traffic-congested cities in the world with 14 million people. By 2020, the mega city's population is expected to rise to 22-25 million that will greatly increase the demand for transport. According to a DTCB survey, the rapid population growth together with the limited space available for new transport infrastructure will further aggravate the heavy congestion in Dhaka city.