Ride-sharing service providers have urged the government to allow them to reopen their motorbike, private car and CNG run auto rickshaw-based services to reduce existing pressure on public transports in the capital. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, even though limited public transport has been allowed from June 1, the app-based ride sharing service has not been launched yet, according to a statement of the e-Commerce Association of Bangladesh(e-CAB). The e-CAB has developed a standard operating procedure (SOP) in consultation with four member organisations for the safety of the public and drivers, according to a statement released on Tuesday. The e-CAB along with four ride-sharing companies-Pathao Limited, Shohoz Limited, Uber Bangladesh Limited and OBHAI Solutions Limited have sought the cooperation from all concerned agencies including the Ministry of Commerce, ICT Division, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to reopen the ride sharing service without delay. To this effect, a written request has been made to the Ministry of Commerce, ICT Division and the BRTA to reopen ride sharing service including the SOP. “Unemployed drivers are living inhumane and miserable lives with their families due to the closure of this service”, the e-CAB said in the statement. As a result, the pressure on public transport is mounting day by day and they are unable to provide services ensuring social distancing. Even the service is also available in many countries across the world. With an app-based and single service system, such transportation systems have the potential to provide greater protection than the existing public transport, the e-CAB argued. Moreover, as the movement of motor bikes and private cars are not banned at the private level. During the pandemic, entrepreneurs in online and e-commerce as well as digital platform-based businesses have been working tirelessly to bring a variety of products and services to consumers which are creating wide and immediate employment opportunities, the association said. According to the service providers, the ride sharing services are provided by private motor vehicles, so it is possible to maintain social distance amid the coronavirus pandemic. It is easy to avoid the crowd at the bus stands or the crowds inside the bus, the statement stated. Transactions are made through a healthy system as there are opportunities for digital payment including mobile banking. According to the Technical and Best Practice Guidelines published by the Directorate General of Health Services, ride sharing is relatively risk-free due to abundance of ventilations and low surface connectivity.
