Dhaka moving to company-based public transport system soon: Transport minister

A company-based public transport system will be introduced in Dhaka, where bus owners of each route will form a company system to operate services under a structured model, Road Transport Minister Shaikh Rabiul Alam said.

At a Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) dialogue at the Secretariat media centre today (18 June), he said buses would be operated under a single company system on fixed routes with uniform colour, standards, fitness compliance and improved facilities, adding that work is already underway.

The minister said the government is encouraging electric and e-vehicles as part of the initiative, noting that significant progress has already been made and route-based company formation by owners is also being developed.

Rabiul added that the aim is to bring discipline in bus operations, route management, traffic signalling and designated stops and terminals for passengers.

“Multiple unregulated transport types cannot operate in a city like Dhaka and steps have been taken to phase out fragmented ownership-based bus operations on the same routes, which lead to disorderly competition such as non-stop passenger picking outside terminals,” thr minister said.

Rabiul also referred to measures taken to close roadside bus counters ahead of Eid, saying, “A transitional arrangement was agreed upon with stakeholders including owners’ and workers’ associations, city corporations, police, BRTA and the ministry to avoid passenger inconvenience.”

He said depots are being planned at locations including the 300-feet area and Kanchpur, where Kanchpur is expected to eventually function as a terminal, while Sayedabad terminal will gradually be shifted to Kanchpur, Fulbaria to Keraniganj and Gabtoli to Hemayetpur.

He added, “These relocations will be implemented gradually within two to two-and-a-half years, while interim depot arrangements will continue.”

The minister said, “Buses will operate under controlled schedules and return to depots only at designated times. Existing terminals such as Gabtoli, Mohakhali, Sayedabad and Fulbaria will not function as depots in the long term but will be gradually shifted and temporary arrangements will continue in the meantime.”

He also acknowledged that many terminals currently lack adequate passenger facilities, including comfort services for AC and high-quality buses, and said city corporations will be responsible for improving infrastructure such as toilets, fans and waiting rooms.

Rabiul added that stakeholders, including bus owners, have agreed to the plan and expressed willingness to develop infrastructure if provided with suitable space, while city corporations and metropolitan police will ensure safety, lighting and CCTV coverage.