Eliminate the suffering of passengers on Eid journey

During Eid, people leave the city in groups, abandoning their workplaces to spend time in their village homes with family and loved ones, in order to share the joy of Eid. However, this happiness often turns into sorrow due to the hassles of Eid travel. This is compounded by bus owners charging excessively high rents. According to a news published on April 7th, it is learned that some bus owners are putting extra pressure on people traveling home, similar to every year. Extra fares ranging from 100 to 1,000 taka are being collected based on distance and type of bus. Allegations have also been made of doubling the fares in some cases. Even though some passengers choose alternative routes, bus companies are still charging the highest fares for the final destination. However, helpless passengers are forced to accept these irregularities.

The reality of charging extra fares has been found by visiting the Gabtoli and Mahakhali bus terminals in the capital by the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association. During Eid, people's expenses naturally increase. They need to buy new clothes, give gifts to loved ones, and there is also a significant cost associated with shopping. If this is compounded by additional fares, it will only add to the distress of the people. For many, the journey during Eid becomes a curse due to the exploitation of some unethical bus owners. At the last moment, when there's high demand from passengers, these owners take advantage of the situation. They capitalize on the desperation of passengers, taking advantage of their plight. Based on the complaints of the passengers, the reply of the transport owner concerned, the time of return has to be returned empty. Apart from that, buses may not reach their destinations at the specified time due to traffic jams. So, this is how they have to compensate for the loss.

On the other hand, despite passengers' complaints, even if they board the bus midway, they are still charged the full fare to the final destination, Furthermore, they also pick up passengers midway through the journey. Apart from that they are loading the buses as much as they can.Many people also put unfit cars on the road.

Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has imposed fines on several transport owners for irregularities. Cases have been filed against several buses for operating outside the designated route.

Despite various measures, irregularities persist through various illicit means. Even on return journeys, passengers may encounter such inconveniences. Although the transportation department in Bangladesh has improved, such irregularities still exist. Additionally, there are intense traffic congestions on the highways.

Ahead of this year's Eid, the government has declared a three-day public holiday on the 5th, 6th, and 7th dates. Consequently, many have sent their family members home in advance. As a result, there is significant pressure on the highways in Dhaka and other urban areas. With only one day of Eid holiday before Eid, there might be considerable congestion for travelers on that day as well.

After Eid, there will indeed be several days off, allowing many to gradually return to their workplaces with some respite. However, the increasing irregularities on the days leading up to Eid are now a concern. It's imperative for everyone in the transportation department, including law enforcement agencies, to remain vigilant on this matter. To reduce the hassles of Eid travel and enhance people's Eid celebrations, everyone involved in transportation must fulfill their roles conscientiously.