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5 years ago

99pc ridesharing drivers defy traffic rules: Survey

FE file photo used only for representation
FE file photo used only for representation

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Ninety per cent drivers engaged in app-based ridesharing services in the city do not follow traffic rules properly, said a survey.

According to the survey conducted by Mobile phone Subscribers' Association of Bangladesh, 99 per cent of the drivers violate traffic rules and 25 per cent of them do not possess insurance documents for their vehicles.

The survey also says 80 per cent of the drivers do not have proper knowledge about traffic law, and 85 per cent of them realise excess fare from passengers.

Over 0.2 million drivers are engaged in the ridesharing services and interestingly many of them cite incorrect addresses in their registration forms.

All of these drivers are residing in rented houses, said the survey conducted to assess the state of the drivers of ridesharing services.

Tendency to obey rules, transparency in realising transport fairs, and behavioural pattern of the drivers were the main focus of the survey, officials of the association said.

Out of these drivers, 55 per cent have said they take driving as their profession but 45 per cent of them take it as part-time job.

"They are engaged in ridesharing services on their way to go to office or while they return home," said the survey.

It is learnt that ridesharing companies do not provide them any training on driving or behaviour.

One of the main reasons for accidents in the city is their tendency of not obeying traffic rules, an official said referring to the recent death of a Brac University student.

The survey also showed that 25 per cent of them are not fully fit physically or mentally. Since these services are based on mobile apps, BRTA does not have the capacity to control these technology-based services.

Bangladesh Telecom Regulatory Commission (BTRC) has that capacity but as they are not the regulatory body for transport sectors, it cannot do anything in this regard.

"In many developed countries, ridesharing services have been banned. There are incidents of harassing women even a female passenger was raped in Chattogram recently," the report said in its observation.

It recommended wearing of uniform with logo by the drivers mandatory for ridesharing services.

Ridesharing companies should provide training to the drivers before registration their vehicles, it said recommending introduction of mobile court so that they can be punished for taking excess money from the commuters.

According to Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), there are 24 ridesharing companies giving relief to thousands of city dwellers.

Launched in 2015 in the country, app-based service gained immense popularity within a short span of time due to a total chaos in the city transport system run by conventional transport agencies.

An estimated 500,000 commuters opted to hail rides via apps, according to a report published in June 2018.

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