A new ticket-based bus service will be introduced in Dhaka on Thursday, February 6, aiming to improve public transportation, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance passenger safety. The service will officially begin at 10:30 am from Abdullahpur.
The initiative, led by the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association (DRTOA), will feature around 2,610 pink buses operated by 21 companies, covering various routes across the capital, according to Md Saiful Alam, General Secretary of DRTOA.
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Saiful Alam explained that passengers will be required to purchase tickets before boarding, with strict adherence to designated entry and exit points. This system is designed to address long-standing issues associated with contract-based bus operations, including unregulated competition, reckless driving, and road accidents.
The move comes after a December meeting with the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, where vehicle owners were urged to adopt fixed-term contracts with drivers instead of trip-based incentives. Saiful Alam noted that the new ticket counter service is the first step in reforming Dhaka’s transport network to make it safer and more structured.
Plans are in place to expand the ticket counter system to Mirpur, Gabtoli, and Mohammadpur by the end of the month. Eventually, the system will be adopted across all buses in Dhaka to create a more efficient and unified public transport network.
To ensure a smooth transition, bus drivers and assistants are undergoing training on the new ticketing procedures, with an emphasis on providing better service and fostering a safer, more courteous environment for passengers.
