Fare meters

By Md. Abad, Dhaka
15 June 2005, 18:00 PM
As a harassed pensioner, I suggest to the honourable minister for transport (and/or communications) to take a few incognito rides on autorickshaws to taxis fitted with fare meters. And also note: (a) what percentage of the drivers refuses to go anywhere within the DCC zone and (b) how many refuse to go by the fare metre. It is a big persistent racket of black-marketing, affecting the majority of the citizens, especially those who do not have personal transport.

It shows the authorities are utterly incompetent to handle this unfriendly attitude; and there is still no mechanism for INSTANT action and prosecution. Then why have the fare metres? Also, the mishuks without fare metres are allowed to ply in the metropolis. Thirdly, cycle pedal rickshaws have been banned from the major roads in the city.

What is the big idea in encouraging such anti-people policies? Orders issued cannot be implemented, and there are no examples of deterrent punishment (add, the corrupt police). The accent is on development activities for wooing the poor, while Daily Routine operation and maintenance suffers in each and every sector.

These jobs are left to the bureaucrats, who drive in cars! Where is the motivation for public service? The ministry is busy exploring super-big projects on transportation (DCC has the same mania with off-the-centre projects (cosmetic effect). It is time some ministers are replaced, in public interest. Coming back to power is not the first priority. Come back to whom? Disgruntled citizens?

Start from the bottom ladder, and then go up. But we observe helicopter without any root in matribhumi! Who writes the CR of ministers?