DHAKA: Communications Minister Obaidul Quader said the fare of taxicabs, which will hit the city streets from Pahela Boishakh, would be re-fixed, if the commuters reject to ride.

The minster was talking to the journalists after laying foundation of a new building of Bangladesh Road Transport Authority in the city at 11:00am Friday.

Obaidul said: “Taxies, that started plying in the city, went damaged within six months. Those ones have been risky to the passengers to ride. We gave conditions on ensuring passengers’ security, but no company was interested to run the taxis by following the guidance.”

“Army Welfare Trust and Toma Paribahan imported the quality-car from Japan. Former army members will drive the taxis and the passengers’ security will remain secured. Additionally, these taxis will remain under tracking system, immediate measures can be taken in case there will be any trouble during the ride.”

The minister said: “Considering these facts, taxi fare was fixed that can be fixed again, if people refuse to ride.”

The minster was accompanied by the officials of the ministry and the BRTA there.

As per the government-fixed charges, a passenger who avails an AC cab has to pay TK100 for the first two kilometres, TK 34 for every next kilometre, and over TK 8 as waiting charge per minute has surely not been fixed keeping the public interest in mind.

BDST: 1426 HRS APR 4, 2014