Every time one approaches a driver of a CNG autorickshaw or a black or yellow cab, the driver will invariably ask for more than the meter fare. Of course, the distance has to be acceptable to him. His reasons: the owner will not give him any respite on the deposit money, long lines at the CNG station and not to mention the skyrocketing prices of daily essentials. A few months ago they were also burdened with five to ten taka parking charges at different locations in the city.

They fear these goons will soon appear. Their cry for higher fares from the customers is very genuine. When we all first heard about the CNG scheme we were so exited that we thought finally we would have an affordable and environ- ment-friendly transport system.

As for buses some positive changes have occurred, but not enough. The crux of the problem actually lies not with the CNG drivers or their owners but with the government policy. When the government first allowed CNG to be imported it was through one certified company only. And also the government had fixed a certain number of vehicles that could be imported.

The demand was high and many business people opted to invest in the area. As there was no price control on the reselling, the price of each CNG scooter shot up almost ten times its original price. Many rightfully blamed the minister and his ministry. Considering the low cost of

running gas-operated vehicles, soon there was a rush to convert other small and yellow cabs to gas. But the commuters did not benefit much. Here are some proposals which, if implemented, will definitely change the situation for the better.

A new policy for the CNG and taxicabs should be formulated with the following directives.

1) All drivers of CNG autorickshaws, small and yellow taxis should be allowed to become their owners.

2) A cooperative body has to be formulated in this regard.

3) A bank or banks have to be designated for loans to the cooperative.

4) They can become the owners of their vehicle by paying in installments to the cooperative which will buy the vehicle for them.

5) Only one driver per vehicle.

6) Exclusive parking and refilling stations should be designated for them.

7) The government should buy the existing CNG vehicles from their present owners and hand them over to the would be driver owners through the cooperative. The government will incur a loss initially but will be benefited immensely in the long run. Government money is public money and it is the public who stand to be benefited by this.

8) Phase wise they should do the same with the small and yellow taxis.

Following this scheme we will get rid of the unnecessary middle man and the monopoly in this vital sector.

Shantoo

Mahakhali, Dhaka