Md. Tanzim Hossain, Chattogram City

Chattogram city is witnessing the rampant operation of over 15,000 unregistered CNG taxis, creating a severe governance challenge.

Transport experts estimate that, while the number of legally registered taxis stands at 13,000, an additional 25,000 taxis, including unregistered and rural vehicles, are operating on city roads. This chaotic situation results in an annual loss of approximately BDT 20 crore in government revenue.

Efforts to install fare meters in legal CNG taxis began in 2005 but failed due to widespread mismanagement. Despite collecting BDT 10 crore from owners to install 13,000 meters, none of the taxis were equipped with functional devices. Subsequent initiatives to regulate fares also collapsed, and presently, no CNG taxi in the city operates on a metered system. As a result, passengers are left at the mercy of drivers, who arbitrarily charge excessive fares.

Citizens frequently complain about exorbitant fares. For instance, a few kilometers' ride often costs between BDT 100 and 150. A university student recently reported paying BDT 120 for a trip from her institution to Khulshi, while traveling from Agrabad to GEC Junction can cost up to BDT 150. This fare anarchy has become a daily struggle for the city’s residents.

Mohammad Harun-or-Rashid, General Secretary of the Chattogram Auto Rickshaw Auto Tempo Workers Union, admitted to fare irregularities but blamed the vehicle owners. He stated that although the government-fixed daily rental rate is BDT 900, many owners demand higher amounts, forcing drivers to increase fares to cover their expenses, including fuel costs and personal living needs.

According to the traffic division of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, rural and unregistered taxis are officially prohibited in the city. While law enforcement conducts regular operations to seize these vehicles, drivers often find covert ways to evade capture. The department emphasized that fare regulation and meter installation are beyond their jurisdiction without specific government directives.

The persistent disorder in Chattogram’s CNG taxi sector, coupled with fare anarchy, continues to plague residents. Urgent and effective measures to regulate unregistered vehicles and ensure fair pricing are now critical for restoring order and public confidence in the transport system.