Residents of Basabo, Madartek, Mugda and Banashri — a fewof the flood-affected areas — are incurring extra expenditure because of fare hikes.

They are going through a tough time fight-

ing the price hike of essentials with the floods and extra-commuting fares add to their daily sufferings. Ferries are the only mode of transport in these areas during floods.

"There is no set fare and if the ferrymen realise that you are in a hurry to get across, they demand extra costs," said Fazlur

Rahman, a resident of Kadamtola in Basabo.

Some have used the flood situation a means of making a quick buck. Ferry business is at its best. Tamij Uddin, owner of a three-wheeler garage in Basabo, is one such person who initiated thenewbusiness.

"I bring in these small boats from

Munshlganj along with ferrymen, provide them with food and a home and they work under me," Tamij said.

The charge from Kadamtola to Binodini High School in Basabo is Tk 10 a person, but ferrymen make use of every opportunity and raise the fares during rush hours.

Before the floods, the rickshaw fare was Tk 6 toTk8 for two passengers on the same route, but now the fares depend on whether or not one wants to use the rickshaw.

"The fare from Malibagh to Moghbazar before the flood was Tk 10-12. But, we are charged more than Tk 20," said Khandoker Sariiiul Hassan, a BUET student from Maghbazar.

Some rickshawpullers admitted taking extra fare. "My shelter was in Meradia before the floods. Being a victim myself, I have to charge extra to make ends meet. My house and furniture went under water. My family and I have taken refuge on the footpath," said Shawkat, a rickshaw-puller.

"When a rickshawpuller makes his way through the sewage mixed water, I pay some extra money on humanitarian grounds," said Sitar Parveen, an NGO worker and resident of Guibagh.

Extra charges do not stop here. Seizing'this opportunity are the taxi and three-wheeler drivers, who demand Tk 10-20 more than the metered rate.

"These drivers carry commuters to the flood-affected areas without meters," said engineer Harunur Rashid from Rampura..

"We are left with no alternative — eitherwe pay extra or be stranded with transport," Harun said.

The bus services have not Increased fares because of the floods. They stood firm with the normal fares.

"We made no change in charges because it wasn't necessary to do so," said a ticket seller of AbabilTransport in Rampura.

Employees of other bus services such as Nirapad, Volvo, Shapla and Citybus said fares at various counters remained static.