Although the new fare of CNG-run auto-rickshaws came into effect in Dhaka city from today, many three-wheelers have been staying off the streets, causing immense sufferings to the commuters.

"A few auto-rickshaws were seen on the city streets since morning as some drivers are yet to set the revised metres in their vehicles," said Mozammel Haque, secretary general of Bangladesh Passengers' Welfare Association.

At least six mobile courts have been set up at different key points in the capital to monitor whether the drivers are charging extra fare.

The mobile courts of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) will also monitor the fitness of the three-wheelers and check the valid documents of the vehicles, said an official of the BRTA.

From today, the auto-rickshaws must have a metre system to ply on the roads according to the government instruction. 

In September, the government hiked the minimum fare to Tk 40 from Tk 25.

According to the hiked fare, commuters will have to pay Tk 12 for each kilometre and Tk 2 per minute as the waiting charge.

Previously, the rate was Tk 25 for the first two kilometers and Tk 7.64 for the next. Waiting charge was Tk 1.40 per minute.

The drivers will have to pay Tk 900 on daily basis to the owners as deposit money where the rate was Tk 600.