Proposal to raise long-route bus fare to tk 4.05 per km

Bus owners have proposed increasing long-distance bus fares to Tk 4.05 per kilometre following a recent hike in fuel prices.

The government recently revised fuel prices in line with the international market, leading to higher diesel costs for buses and trucks. In response, leaders of the Bus-Truck Owners’ Association have urged authorities to adjust passenger fares accordingly.

The association submitted a proposal suggesting that long-distance bus fares be raised from Tk 2.12 per kilometre to Tk 4.05 per kilometer on Sunday (April 19).

General Secretary of the Bangladesh Road Transport Owners’ Association Md. Saiful Alam said that operators are now forced to buy fuel at higher prices but are still charging passengers based on old fare rates, making operations financially unsustainable.

He argued that without fare adjustment, it will be impossible to continue bus operations without losses.

He also highlighted a significant rise in vehicle costs. According to him, in 2022, a bus chassis cost around Tk 2.4 million and body construction cost about Tk 1.1 million. Currently, the same chassis costs around Tk 3.6 million and body construction about Tk 2 million, increasing total costs by nearly Tk 2–2.1 million.

He added that bank loan interest rates have also increased from 9% to 13%, adding further financial pressure on transport owners.

The association noted that after the fuel price hike in 2022, the government had previously adjusted fares, fixing the rate at Tk 2.12 per kilometre despite an earlier proposal of Tk 2.80. However, no further adjustments have been made since then, even though operational costs have continued to rise.

Transport owners have now warned that without at least a fare of Tk 3.5 per kilometre, continued operation of long-distance buses may no longer be viable.