Road Transport and Bridges Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam on Thursday told Parliament that a fare chart for air-conditioned (AC) buses and minibuses will be prepared soon and displayed digitally inside public transport.
“Soon, a fare chart for AC buses and minibuses will be formulated and arrangements will be made to display it on digital screens inside public transport,” he said, while replying to a tabled question from independent lawmaker Rumeen Farhana (Brahmanbaria-2) in the House.
Responding to a question from ruling party lawmaker Abul Kalam Azad Siddiqui (Tangail-7), the minister said initiatives have been taken by the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to introduce Global Positioning System (GPS) technology in public transports operating on roads and highways across the country.
“Once GPS technology is introduced, the location and speed of public transport can be monitored easily. As a result, irregularities such as unauthorized stoppages and overcharging of fares can be controlled,” he said.
He added that if any vehicle exceeds the speed limit or violates traffic laws, the system will automatically record the offence, enabling authorities to take legal action against the driver and the owner concerned.
Focusing on measures taken to reduce road accidents through engineering, enforcement, technology, and management, the minister said accident-prone areas (black spots) are being identified and improved through geometric design corrections, road straightening, and installation of signs, signals, and markings.
He also said road furniture such as guardrails, delineators, speed breakers, and signboards are being installed as well as overpasses, footbridges, zebra crossings, and service roads are being constructed, particularly in market and busy areas to ensure pedestrian safety.
Raising other measures, Rabiul Alam said separate arrangement has also been introduced for non-motorised and slow-moving vehicles by keeping wider shoulders or dedicated lanes along roads.
As part of modern technology adoption, Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) have been introduced including CCTV cameras, Vehicle Detection Systems (VDS), and Variable Message Signs (VMS).
Noting that a speed enforcement system was already introduced on the Dhaka-Mawa Expressway, he said the government has a plan to expand the technology across other highways throughout the country.
The minister said a specialised unit titled “Road Design & Safety Circle” has been formed for accident analysis, planning, and coordination.
Replying to a question from NCP lawmaker Md Abul Hasnat (Hasnat Abdullah), the Road Transport Minister said a total of 81 contracting firms have been blacklisted based on evidence of fraudulent activities in procurement processes since January 1, 2024.