Regular passengers said the journey from Shahbagh took roughly the same time even before the new system was introduced.
Buses operate on a Dhaka road as the government plans to reorganise 98 existing routes into 32 franchised routes under a “one route, one company” model. Photo: TBS
“>
Buses operate on a Dhaka road as the government plans to reorganise 98 existing routes into 32 franchised routes under a “one route, one company” model. Photo: TBS
Dhaka’s new bus franchise system began operations yesterday (1 Nov) with the promise of restoring discipline to public transport, but the first day saw little change, with buses continuing to pick up and drop off passengers at random locations and wait for extended periods along their routes.
At 3pm yesterday, this correspondent boarded a “Three Star City Paribahan” bus from Shahbagh towards Ghatarchar. Previously operated as Rajnigandha Paribahan but its operating practices remained largely unchanged.
After waiting around 10 minutes at Shahbagh, the bus started its journey. It stopped for about two minutes in front of Bangladesh Medical University and nearly 10 minutes around Science Lab and City College. It also stopped near Japan-Bangladesh Friendship Hospital, Dhanmondi 15, Shankar and Allah Karim.
After another two to three minutes at Dhanmondi 15, the bus waited at Mohammadpur bus stand for around 15 minutes.
Passengers continued boarding and getting off, with the bus waiting five to 10 minutes at some locations. No visible list of designated stops or passenger instructions was found inside the bus.
The bus reached Ghatar Char at 4:30pm. Regular passengers said the journey from Shahbagh took roughly the same time even before the new system was introduced.
Passengers see little difference
Shahabuddin, a regular passenger travelling from Gulistan to Basila, said, “I boarded today [Sunday] after hearing that a new bus service had started. But I cannot see much difference. It is still stopping at different places as before. I could not find the bus I wanted, so I boarded this one when I saw it was going my way.”
Another passenger, Sabina Akter, said, “We do not know much about the newly introduced buses. So far, I have not noticed anything different. Buses are still stopping at various places and picking up and dropping off passengers as before.”
The bus helper, Shadat, said workers had not received clear instructions about the changes.
“We know the bus name has changed, but the fare remains the same. We have not been properly informed about where to stop or pick up passengers. Things are largely continuing as before,” he said.
Operators seek public cooperation
ASM Ahmed Khokan, president of the Chiriakhana City Paribahan Bus Owners Association, said changing long-established practices would require cooperation from passengers and operators.
“We have become accustomed to irregularities, and passengers have too. We are trying to ensure that buses stop only at designated stops. We need everyone’s cooperation,” he said.
98 routes reorganised into 32
On the first day, buses under the new franchise system began operating on six long routes and one circular route as part of a broader initiative to bring discipline.
The initiative involves the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), transport owners’ and workers’ organisations, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) and the two city corporations.
Under the plan, the capital’s existing 98 bus routes have been reorganised into 32, while the DTCA and DMP have identified 25 circular routes. Buses on different routes are expected to have distinct colours.
Six route operators will run 831 buses, while another 30 will operate on the circular service, taking the total to 861.
The six routes are Shib Bari in Gazipur-Dhakeshwari Temple (253 buses), Mirpur Zoo-Keraniganj (133), Ghatarchar-Demra (80), Ghatarchar-Kanchpur (120), Ghatarchar-Uttara (225) and Tongi-Dhakeshwari Temple (20 AC buses).
The circular service will run between Mirpur-1 and Ansar Camp via Kachukhet, Sainik Club, Jahangir Gate and Agargaon.
Several existing operators, including VIP, Bikash, Dishari, Tanzil, Metro Link, Ramadan Ali Enterprise, Rajnigandha, Malancha, Somoy, Midline, Poristhan and Projapati, are involved in the proposed routes.
DTCA Executive Director Mashiur Rahman said operators had been given clear instructions and violations would face strict action.
“Those who violate the rules and create disorder on the roads will face strict measures, including cancellation of their route permits,” he said, adding that mobile courts led by executive magistrates would be deployed if necessary.
He stressed that bus owners, workers, police and the administration must work together to address Dhaka’s longstanding traffic congestion.
About The Author
