The long-awaited digital ticketing system in the capital is scheduled to launch within the next week, so passengers on buses operating in Dhaka and its suburban routes will now need to buy e-tickets before boarding.

In addition to reducing traffic and fare disputes, the move aims to improve passenger safety on city and suburban routes and bring order to a chaotic transportation system.

On Monday, a press conference was held at a hotel in the capital to formally introduce the system.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation, Dhaka District Road Transport Vehicle Workers Union, and a number of labor organizations collaborated on the project. Urbanmove Tech provided technical management and support.

Additional Police Commissioner (Additional IG) Md Sarwar told the press conference that the DMP has been working nonstop to alleviate traffic congestion in the city. 

“The e-ticket system to be rolled out fully within a week will reduce traffic congestion, curb unfair competition among buses, and improve passenger safety and comfort,” he said.

Speaking at the programme, Saiful Alam, general secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners’ Association, said, “Under the new system, all buses will pick up and drop off passengers at designated stops. Passengers must obtain e-tickets via an app or device before boarding, and fares will not exceed government-approved rates (students will continue to pay half the fare).

Additional Police Commissioner (Traffic) Md. Anisur Rahman was present as the special guest, while General Secretary of Dhaka District Road Transport Vehicle Workers Union Md. Abul Kashem and Managing Director of Urban Move Tech Limited Junaid Abdullah also spoke at the event.

Police officers, leaders of the transport sector, and journalists were present at the event.

Source: BSS