Ride-sharing drivers have demanded that platform companies reduce their commission and cap it at 10 per cent.
They also called for a revised fare structure, fixed minimum–maximum per-kilometre fare bands, a Tk1 motorcycle waiting charge rate and a shutdown of the unregistered operator InDrive.
The demands were raised on Wednesday at a meeting held at the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) headquarters to review the draft of the ‘Ride-Sharing Guidelines 2017 (Revised 2025)’.
Driver organisations said Uber deducts 25 per cent commission within the city and 22 per cent outside, while Pathao takes between 5 and 20 per cent.
They said these deductions place heavy pressure on their income and argued that the draft’s proposed 15 per cent cap should be reduced further to 10 per cent to match real-world operating costs.
BRTA officials held discussions with representatives of Bachao Ride Pariseba Oikya Parishad, Jatiya Shramik Shakti and Dhaka Ride-Sharing Drivers Union.
The meeting focused on the draft’s fare framework, the proposed commission rate and ways to ensure fair earnings for drivers.
A seven-member committee was formed with one representative from each of the three driver groups, three BRTA officials and one representative from the Consumers Association.
The committee was asked to re-examine the draft and submit a revised version within 15 working days, identifying inconsistencies and recommending additions where required.
The latest discussions follow years of demands from Bachao Ride Pariseba Oikya Parishad for reforms to the fare-related provisions of the 2017 guidelines.
On 25 August 2025, BRTA, the alliance and several platform companies met to discuss fair remuneration, revised fare structures and the legal issues drivers face on the road.
Following that meeting, BRTA sent the ‘Ride-Sharing Service Guidelines 2017 (Revised 2025)’ to the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges on 2 November 2025.
As objections remained, particularly over the fare structure, driver groups appealed to the BRTA chairman and the ministry’s adviser for reconsideration so their experience is properly reflected in the final document.
The 2017 guidelines followed the 2010 taxi fare model and set a maximum per-kilometre rate of Tk34 but did not specify a minimum fare.
Drivers said this gap allowed companies, particularly larger platforms, to lower fares sharply in competition, which steadily reduced driver earnings. They now consider clear minimum–maximum fare bands essential for income stability.
Speaking to TIMES of Bangladesh, Press Secretary Muhammad Abdullah Al Maruf of Bachao Ride Pariseba Oikya Parishad said ride-sharing services differ significantly from taxi operations, yet the earlier guidelines did not include category-specific fare structures.
He said Pathao’s motorcycle waiting charge had been 50 paisa and Uber had none, although drivers demanded Tk1. The new draft has accepted the Tk1 waiting charge.
Maruf said the per-kilometre fare was initially proposed at Tk18 but later reduced to Tk16, which he said provides a basic income safeguard for drivers. If a realistic minimum fare is ensured, he said, drivers will not turn to off-app work, making the service safer and more reliable for passengers.
He said Uber’s frequent fare cuts have been forcing Pathao to lower its fares as well, destabilising the market.
He added that Pathao no longer displays detailed fare breakdowns and now provides only an estimated figure, leaving passengers unable to understand distance travelled, trip duration or per-kilometre charges.
Driver groups also demanded the shutdown of InDrive, describing it as a Russian-origin platform operating nationwide without BRTA registration.
They said the lack of registration prevents the service from being connected to emergency systems such as 999, raising passenger-safety concerns.
In contrast, Pathao, Uber and Obhai have BRTA registration and operate under regulatory oversight.
Oikya Parishad said the new guidelines, being revised after nearly eight years, must be modern, realistic and free of ambiguity.
They said proper reform will improve passenger service quality and give riders a safer, smarter and more organised transport experience.
Ride-sharing platform companies will sit with BRTA again on Sunday to present their views on the next stage of the guideline reforms.
