Water taxis give respite from gridlock in capital

The newly-introduced water taxis, with their elegant combination of red and white, have not only provided the people with the much-needed escape route from the traffic-clogged streets of Dhaka, they also ferry them in and around the Hatirjheel area in less time than any other mode of transport. Visiting the water taxi terminal near the FDC, this correspondent found that people were in a festive mood, eager for a "joy ride", as it were. Parents were there with their children, so were friends. The only wait was at the long queue for tickets.
The authorities said water taxis ply at 15-minute intervals. Some passengers, however, told this correspondent that until 30 passengers boarded a water taxi, it never left for its destination. A large number of people avail of water taxis during office hours, and occasionally long queues are seen in the afternoon. But at noon, the number of passengers drops drastically. At least 30 minutes are needed for 45 seats to be filled. But nobody is complaining about the delay. Some passengers said  if the water taxis operate on schedule, it will get more passengers. On Fridays and other holidays long queues are seen.  
Azad Hossain, who works in a private firm, said that earlier he used to travel by the circular bus on the FDC-Badda route. But after the water taxis were introduced, he has opted for them because they offer hassle-free service. Sub-inspector Royes Uddin of Shahbagh police station said he could not spend time with his nephews due to his job. “But I come with my two nephews and niece for a trip in the water taxi,” he said.
Hasna Rahman, a newly married lady from Savar, came with her husband, Motiur Rahman Tony, who is based in Rome. “I am going to Italy permanently next month. So, I came to visit Hatirjheel. I really wanted to travel by launch, but never got any opportunity. But I didn’t want to miss the chance of travelling by the water taxi. I enjoyed it thoroughly,” said a smiling Hasna. Every day four water taxis operate from 6am to 10pm.
A passenger has to pay Tk. 30 to go to Badda Link Road from the FDC area and Tk. 25 to go to Rampura Bridge from the FDC. A water taxi can carry 30 passengers at a time. Each taxi has a small canteen, which sells cakes, biscuits and other snacks. The government began the Hatirjheel project on 302 acres in 2007. It was opened to the public on January 2, 2013. The Hatirjheel circular bus service was introduced last year. The water taxi service was introduced on Victory Day the same year. The services have made things easy for people travelling to Karwan Bazar, Moghbazar, Dilu Road, Eskaton, Bangla Motor and Tejgaon from Badda, Gulshan, Rampura, Khilgaon and other eastern parts of the city.

Water taxis give respite from gridlock in capital

The newly-introduced water taxis, with their elegant combination of red and white, have not only provided the people with the much-needed escape route from the traffic-clogged streets of Dhaka, they also ferry them in and around the Hatirjheel area in less time than any other mode of transport. Visiting the water taxi terminal near the FDC, this correspondent found that people were in a festive mood, eager for a joy ride, as it were. Parents were there with their children, so were friends. The only wait was at the long queue for tickets. The authorities said water taxis ply at 15-minute intervals. Some passengers, however, told this correspondent that until 30 passengers boarded a water taxi, it never left for its destination. A large number of people avail of water taxis during office hours, and occasionally long queues are seen in the afternoon. But at noon, the number of passengers drops drastically. At least 30 minutes are needed for 45 seats to be filled. But nobody is complaining about the delay. Some passengers said if the water taxis operate on schedule, it will get more passengers. On Fridays and other holidays long queues are seen. Azad Hossain, who works in a private firm, said that earlier he used to travel by the circular bus on the FDC-Badda route. But after the water taxis were introduced, he has opted for them because they offer hassle-free service. Sub-inspector Royes Uddin of Shahbagh police station said he could not spend time with his nephews due to his job. But I come with my two nephews and niece for a trip in the water taxi, he said. Hasna Rahman, a newly married lady from Savar, came with her husband, Motiur Rahman Tony, who is based in Rome. I am going to Italy permanently next month. So, I came to visit Hatirjheel. I really wanted to travel by launch, but never got any opportunity. But I didnt want to miss the chance of travelling by the water taxi. I enjoyed it thoroughly, said a smiling Hasna. Every day four water taxis operate from 6am to 10pm. A passenger has to pay Tk. 30 to go to Badda Link Road from the FDC area and Tk. 25 to go to Rampura Bridge from the FDC. A water taxi can carry 30 passengers at a time. Each taxi has a small canteen, which sells cakes, biscuits and other snacks. The government began the Hatirjheel project on 302 acres in 2007. It was opened to the public on January 2, 2013. The Hatirjheel circular bus service was introduced last year. The water taxi service was introduced on Victory Day the same year. The services have made things easy for people travelling to Karwan Bazar, Moghbazar, Dilu Road, Eskaton, Bangla Motor and Tejgaon from Badda, Gulshan, Rampura, Khilgaon and other eastern parts of the city.