Franchise-based bus service launched on 6 Dhaka routes to improve service

A franchise-based bus service has been launched on six routes in the capital to bring discipline to public transport and improve the quality of passenger services.

The initiative was inaugurated on Sunday at Manik Mia Avenue in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.

Pabna-5 lawmaker and chief coordinator of the Transport Owners-Workers Unity Council Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas attended the inaugural programme as the chief guest.

Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) Executive Director (Secretary) Mohammad Mashiur Rahman presided over the event, while Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed was present as a special guest.

The six routes are Shibbari Chowrasta in Gazipur to Dhakeshwari Temple in Azimpur via Abdullahpur; Mirpur Zoo to Chulkutia via Science Lab; Ghatarchar in Basila, Mohammadpur to Demra Staff Quarters via Shahbagh and Matsya Bhaban; Basila in Mohammadpur to Chittagong Road/Kanchpur Bridge in Narayanganj via Science Lab and Jigatola; Ghatarchar in Mohammadpur to Dhour Bridge in Abdullahpur via Mirpur-10; and Tongi College Gate to Dhakeshwari Temple in Azimpur via Abdullahpur.

According to the DTCA plan, a total of 816 buses will operate on the six routes initially, including 796 non-AC and 20 AC buses.

The buses are planned to have different colours for different routes to help passengers easily identify the buses assigned to their respective routes.

Speaking at the programme, the DMP commissioner said he has been working on bus route rationalisation since taking charge, describing it as a long-cherished project.

The system has initially been introduced on a trial basis on six routes, he said.

In the future, buses operating on 32 routes in the capital will be assigned separate colours and numbers to help passengers identify their designated routes.

Passengers will also be able to identify the routes easily by looking at digital plates installed at the front of buses, he added.