BRT service partially opens on 16 December

The much-anticipated Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service is set to partially launch on 16 December, offering air-conditioned bus services between Gazipur's Shib Bari and Dhaka airport.  

During a meeting at the Shib Bari BRT station following an inspection of the project, Md Ehshanul Haque, senior secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, made the announcement today.  

"A significant amount of money and time has already been spent on the project, and people have been waiting for this service for years. This wait must end. The formal inauguration of the project is scheduled for 16 December," Ehshanul Haque said. 

The initial phase of the BRT service, operated by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), will see 10 buses serving the route. 

Md Tajul Islam, chairman of the BRTC, said, "On a trial basis, we had been running two buses on the Gazipur-to-airport route but faced challenges attracting passengers. As a result, these buses now operate between Shib Bari and Gulistan." 

He noted the importance of scaling operations based on passenger demand. "With the official inauguration, we expect an improved response. Additional buses will be deployed as required." 

While 98% of the project is complete, Senior Secretary Ehshanul Haque acknowledged some outstanding issues, particularly the lack of sufficient pedestrian infrastructure. 

"Currently, every station has foot-over bridges, but they are inadequate. Ten more foot-over bridges will be constructed soon to improve access. The full service is expected to launch by June next year," he added.

What will be the fares?

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has announced initial fares for the BRT buses. For the route from Shib Bari, fares have been set at Tk20 to Chourasta, Tk35 to Board Bazar, Tk50 to Tongi College Gate, and Tk70 to the Airport.

On the return route, the fare from the Airport to College Gate will be Tk25, to Board Bazar Tk40, to Chourasta Tk55, and back to Shib Bari Tk70.