Commuters Face Extra 300–400 Taka Fare at Gabtoli

As the festive season approaches, homebound travellers have begun their journeys to reunite with family for Eid. However, the joy of returning home is being dampened by increased bus fares, with many passengers at Gabtoli Bus Terminal reporting paying substantially more than usual.

On Wednesday, 18 March, Gabtoli Bus Terminal was teeming with passengers. While some managed to board buses after purchasing tickets, others were left waiting. Passengers purchasing tickets in person, rather than online, appear particularly affected, often having to pay significantly above the standard fare.

Mohammad Antar, travelling from Gabtoli to Rajbari, recounted his experience: “The regular fare to Rajbari is 390 taka. Today, I paid 700 taka. I took the last ticket available. Since no tickets were left and I had to get home, I didn’t argue.”

Similarly, Mohammad Kausar, heading to Panga, said, “Normally, the fare is 400 taka, but today they demanded 700. Most buses are the same.”

Ibrahim, travelling to Magura, added, “Usually, the fare is between 500 and 550 taka. Today it is 700. This seems to happen every Eid; there is no way around it.”

Transport authorities maintain that fares charged during the festival correspond to the rates set by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA).

Imran, counter manager at Souhardya Transport, explained: “At other times, we keep fares 100–200 taka below the government chart, so passengers are accustomed to paying less. During Eid, we follow the official chart, so passengers perceive it as an increase.”

Mohammad Al Amin, manager at Sakura Transport, echoed this view: “Our fares are usually below the government chart. During Eid, we adhere to the official rates, which may appear higher to travellers who are used to the discounted fares.”

BRTA’s Vigilance Team assistant director, Moinul Hasan, confirmed to reporters that no formal complaints have been received at the terminal. “Every counter has the fare chart displayed, and tickets are sold accordingly. Reports of overcharging generally occur outside the terminal. Our mobile courts act promptly in such cases.”

The following table illustrates typical fares compared to those reported during Eid:

With the surge in homebound travellers, authorities urge passengers to check official fare charts and remain vigilant to avoid potential overcharging.