Eid rush yet to peak at Gabtoli as tickets remain available

Long-distance buses are leaving the capital's Gabtoli Bus Terminal for different parts of the country ahead of Eid-ul-Adha, but passenger pressure remains relatively low compared to previous years, with tickets still available.

During a visit to the terminal between 1:30pm and 3:30pm today (26 May), it was observed that most passengers had purchased advance tickets, while many transport workers were seen calling out to attract passengers.

Counter officials said most passengers bought tickets early, considering traffic congestion and Eid travel pressure. Many have also sent family members home in advance, reducing the last-minute rush.

Photo: TBS

Mohammad Majed, a passenger travelling to Jhenaidah's Kotchandpur by Purbasha Paribahan, bought a ticket for Tk830. "The fare on this route used to be Tk650 during normal times. We are paying higher fares during Eid," he said.

However, Mohammad Khalil, in charge of a ticket counter, claimed fares are being charged as per the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) chart.

At a Sakura Paribahan counter for Khulna-bound buses, ticket seller Mohammad Shahnewaz said, "All seats are booked until the morning of Eid day. Six of our buses have left Gabtoli so far this afternoon."

Private jobholder Shahnewaz, who had already sent his wife and child home, was searching for a ticket to Khulna. He said, "I could not get tickets for Golden Line or Sohag Paribahan. I got leave from office yesterday, so I could not book earlier."

Meanwhile, tickets for Khulna were still available at Druti Paribahan counters. Staff member Kibria said, "We still have tickets. Passengers are getting tickets as they come to the counter." The fare on the route is Tk830.

BRTA Deputy Director Kamrul Hasan, who was on vigilance duty, said, "Tanjil and Selfie Paribahan were fined today over a complaint of charging excess fares."

At the terminal, many transport workers were seen waiting for passengers, while workers of Purbasha Paribahan for Chuadanga were calling out for passengers.

Sahida Akter, a passenger of Golden Line Paribahan, said, "The bus was supposed to leave at 1pm, but the counter said it was still near Aminbazar. It will depart once it arrives." She is travelling to Faridpur and had bought her ticket earlier.

Counter master Sayeed Hossain said, "Every Eid-ul-Adha, buses are delayed somewhat due to traffic congestion. There is no negligence on our part."

Transport workers said that after the Padma Bridge opened, many passengers from the southwest now use Sayedabad, though most northern routes still operate from Gabtoli.

Mohammad Zakir, a passenger of Shailkupa Deluxe Paribahan heading to Magura, bought a ticket for Tk800. He said, "The regular fare is Tk600. Higher fares are being charged during Eid."

However, transport operators denied overcharging. Counter staff Saharia Rahman said, "In normal times, there are passengers both ways. Now buses often return to Dhaka empty. The BRTA chart sets the fare at Tk801, and we are charging Tk800."

Transport workers said that despite Eid travel, they are not getting the expected number of passengers, as many people have already left earlier, reducing last-minute pressure.