Ticket counter-based bus system launching in Dhaka this week with 2,610 new pink buses

A new ticket counter-based bus service will be launched in Dhaka on Thursday (6 February), in an effort to improve traffic order and passenger safety.  

Approximately 2,610 pink buses, operated by 21 different companies, will serve routes from Abdullahpur to various destinations within the capital, said Md Saiful Alam, general secretary of Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association.

Speaking at a press briefing today (4 February), Saiful explained that passengers will only be able to board these buses with a pre-purchased ticket, and boarding or alighting at undesignated stops will be prohibited. 

He said the new system aims to address the long-standing issue of contract-based bus operations, which has led to unequal competition, traffic congestion, and increased accidents.  

Following a meeting with the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges in December, vehicle owners were directed to implement fixed-term contracts with drivers instead of trip-based agreements, Saiful said , adding that the new ticket system is the first step in that direction.

The counter service will be inaugurated from Abdullahpur at 10:30am on Thursday.  

Saiful stated that similar ticket counter operations will be introduced in Mirpur, Gabtoli, and Mohammadpur by this month.  

He went on to say that all buses in Dhaka will operate under this system, requiring passengers to purchase tickets from designated counters and board at specific stops. 

"Training is currently underway for bus drivers and assistants on the new ticket system and passenger service protocols," he said.  

The Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association emphasises the importance of courteous behaviour from transport workers towards passengers.

Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association President MA Baten, Treasurer ASM Ahmed Khokon, Office Secretary Kazi Md Jobair Masud, and other members of the association were present at the briefing.