Travellers prefer rented car, app-based intercity services

As the Eid-ul-Fitr festival is approaching, the long-route travellers are increasingly opting for private rented car and app-based Uber intercity services. It happens, as public transport systems, including buses and trains, are struggling to keep up with surging demand.

Intercity ride-hailing and car rentals have now become a preferred alternative for long-route travellers. Convenience, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness are also driving this shift in travel behaviour during the festive season.

Although the seven-day (March 17-23) public holiday started on Tuesday, many headed for their village homes early to beat the rush. Thousands of people began streaming out of the capital on Monday to celebrate the Eid-ul-Fitr.

The demand for ride-hailing and rental services has surged across major routes, making it difficult for many travellers to secure rides at usual rates. Fares for Uber intercity and car rentals have risen, reflecting the pressure on transport services during the peak travel periods.

Car rental services, particularly those with microbuses and gas-run vehicles, are operating at full capacity, with bookings completed well in advance. The spike in demand has caused rental rates to increase by as much as 10-20 per cent in some cases, highlighting the unprecedented rush for road transport ahead of the Eid.

Transport experts said the growing popularity of ride-hailing platforms like Uber reflects a shift in commuter behaviour, especially for the routes where conventional buses or trains are crowded or less convenient.

They also warned that without proper traffic management and fare regulation, such surges could add pressure on both drivers and passengers.

Mustafizur Rahman, a resident of Rampura in the capital, said he took an Uber to Faridpur for the first time, adding that private cars and Uber services were extremely busy. The surge in demand made it difficult to get a ride, with fares slightly higher than usual due to the rush.

"I had to wait longer than expected, but I managed to book an Uber eventually," he said, highlighting how urban commuters are increasingly relying on ride-sharing services for intercity travel.

Sultan Ahmed, proprietor of Sina Rent-a-Car and Ambulance Service, said the demand for rentals - particularly the gas-run vehicles - has surged dramatically.

"Many private cars run on octane and have to make long, winding trips to different filling stations, stopping multiple times along the way. That has pushed more people to opt for rental cars."

He added that car rental rates have jumped 10-20 per cent due to the spike in demand. "All of my six microbuses are fully booked well ahead of the Eid."

Salekin, who is working at a private company, said he travelled to Rangpur for the first time in his office car to celebrate the Eid, citing soaring airfare as the reason.

"Normally, I fly to Rangpur for Eid. But this year, I chose to drive with my four-member family. The cost of the road trip is almost half of flying cost, making it a much more practical option."

Rejaul Karim, a Dhaka resident, travelled with his four-member family to his hometown in Tangail on Monday to celebrate the Eid, taking an Uber intercity ride for Tk 3,800.

Karim usually travels by train for the festival, but this year he faced problems in booking tickets through the app. "I couldn't complete the booking, which isn't something that normally happens."

He suspected that many tickets had already been sold on the black market, leaving numerous travellers like him unable to secure seats. As a result, a growing number of people are turning to car rentals and intercity ride services as a reliable alternative during the Eid rush.

Seeking a stress-free trip home to Brahmanbaria for the Eid holidays, journalist Tabarul opted for a private car rental.

"Rental services have become a reliable alternative for those of us who prioritise comfort and flexibility," he said.

As demand for private travel surges ahead of the festivities, more travellers are choosing rentals to bypass the long queues and overcrowded buses, common during the holiday rush.

While fares are slightly higher than usual during the peak season, Tabarul finds the trade-off worthwhile. For him, the convenience and ease of a private ride far outweigh the challenges of a bus or train journey.

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