public transport
As Dhaka embraces Metro Rail efficiency, bus services on Mirpur-Motijheel route suffer a blow
Dhaka’s ambitious Metro Rail service, connecting Uttara to Motijheel, has significantly impacted the traditional public transport ecosystem, especially affecting bus services on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route. The introduction of this modern transit option has led to a sharp decline in bus ridership, with operators reporting a 30-40% reduction in the number of buses on this route.
Transport proprietors are bracing for a further decline in bus numbers as the warmer months approach, predicting that the allure of the metro’s air-conditioned comfort will draw even more commuters away from buses. The diminished appeal of buses, once a staple for Dhaka’s commuters, is particularly noticeable during peak metro operational hours, despite an observable decrease in traffic congestion.
Read more: Quader provides update on Metro Rail extension till Tongi
The potential extension of metro rail service hours beyond the current 7:10 am to 8:40 pm timeframe threatens to exacerbate the financial strain on bus operations, prompting owners to consider rerouting their fleets or selling them off. “From a daily tally of 500-600 buses, we’ve plummeted to just 300-400 buses on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route,” stated Md Shahjahan, Managing Director of Shikhor Paribahan, highlighting the scale of the downturn.
Metro rail increases trips, commuters elated
Daily commuters including service holders and traders have expressed joy as the Metro Rail authorities are operating trains every 8 minutes during peak hours from Saturday (February 17, 2024).
The number of metro rail trips increased to 26 and as a result a total of 178 trains will run each day instead of 152, said MN Siddique, managing director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL).
About the new timings, Siddque said, three trains will run from Uttara between 7:10 am to 7:30 am and train will run from 7:31am to 11:48 am every 8 minutes during peak hours. After that, train will run from 11:49am to 3:12pm (off peak hours) every12 minutes as before and every 8 minutes from 3:13pm to 8:00 pm (peak hours), he added.
Read: Crane collapse on rail tracks from Elevated Expressway disrupts train movement
Nazrul Isalm, a regular commuter of the Metro Rail at Mirpur-11 Rail Station, said the pressure of commuters is comparatively less due to the new schedule and it’s a relief for people.
Hossain, another commuter at the same station, said “It will be better if the timing can be reduced to 3.5 minutes.”
Except Friday, now Metro Rail will run from Uttara-Motijheel from 7:10 am to 8:40 pm while the MRT and Rapid Pass users can travel by metro rail that leaves Motijheel station at 8 pm.
At present, the trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours and every 12 minutes during off-peak hours. The new timings are applicable for peak hours only, said MN Siddique.
He said that earlier the number of trains' trips were 152 every day, now it has been increased to 178.
Siddique said that currently metro trains carry about 2.70 lakh passengers on an average every day.
Read: Metro Rail to run after every 8 minutes during peak hours from Saturday
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formally inaugurated the first metro rail in Dhaka on December 28, 2022. At that time the metro train was running from Uttara to Agargaon. Later the prime minister inaugurated the Agargaon to Motijheel section of the Metro Rail on November 4 last year. The next day, on November 5, metro rail service started from Uttara to Motijheel.
Remove rickety buses from Dhaka streets, says Jatri Kallyan Samiti
Bangladesh Jatri Kalyan Samiti (BJKS), a passengers' welfare platform, on Saturday (January 20, 2024) demanded the government introduce 5,000 new high-quality buses on the streets under a company with the government's management by removing existing rickety vehicles from the capital.
Secretary General of the BJKS Md. Mozammel Haque Chowdhury raised the demand in a press conference organised at the city's Dhaka Reporters Unity on Saturday morning.
In a written statement, he said that the current government has pledged that the country will join the ranks of developed countries by 2026.
The government is determined to improve the public transport system in Dhaka and elsewhere.
Quoting a JICA survey, the BJKS's secretary general said that there are currently 4 crore daily passenger trips in the capital.
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There is a huge scope for transport business, and the transportation system of the city can be changed overnight through bus service if only extortion is stopped and dedicated bus lanes can be introduced, he said.
There are examples of owning 600-800 buses of many transport companies in Bangladesh after they started plying on the streets with one bus.
However, the state transport agency BRTC is not able to operate buses under its own management and is leasing them out to private individuals and institutions. The number of these buses is decreasing due to lack of maintenance, he added.
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He urged the government, instead of bureaucracy in the management of BRTC, if BRTC can be managed by appointing managers with technical knowledge and experience in managing bus companies from the international market. it will play a major role in the passenger transport sector besides making BRTC profitable, he said.
The BJKS said that due to incompetence of leadership, inefficiency of management, lack of proper monitoring and monopolistic dominance of political contractors, corruption is going on.
The new government has made political commitment to establish good governance in these sectors.
”We want to see the reflection of this commitment of the government by ensuring quality and accountability in every project involving road, rail, sea and air,” he added.
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With Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh Stations opening today, Dhaka Metro Rail ends 2023 with a milestone
Dhaka's ambitious metro rail project reached a significant milestone with the opening of the Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh metro rail stations. This achievement marks the completion of all 16 stations along the Dhaka Metro Rail route, extending from Uttara North to Motijheel.
Following the commencement of the Bijoy Sarani and Dhaka University stations on December 13, only the Karwan Bazar and Shahbagh stations were pending activation. With their launch, Dhaka residents can now enjoy full access to the metro rail network, significantly easing urban transportation.
Also read: New Metro Rail Station at Dhaka University: A milestone in student connectivity
Commuters, particularly office-goers, have warmly welcomed the operation of these crucial stations in the heart of the capital. Many have expressed their satisfaction and are eagerly anticipating an expanded schedule on the Agargaon-Motijheel route.
"The metro rail has transformed our daily commute, and the new stations are a much-needed addition," shared a business trader from Gazipur’s Tongi who has to travel at least twice a week to Old Dhaka’s Bakshi Bazar, a distance of almost 24 kilometres.
Find Bus Routes in Dhaka with 6 Android Apps
Navigating public transportation routes in this crowded city of Dhaka poses a challenge. The labyrinth of bus transit lines confounds both commuters from the city and from outside. Amidst this urban maze, the advent of cutting-edge mobile applications to find public transport makes life a bit easier. Let’s explore the useful mobile apps to find bus routes in Dhaka city.
6 Handy Mobile Apps to Locate Bus Routes in Dhaka
Bus Route: Dhaka City
It was launched on October 3, 2023. This app, developed by Puresoft Solutions, includes a comprehensive list of bus commute lines and integrates with Google Maps. The service was last updated on October 16.
This smart solution provides a user-friendly experience by allowing users to select their starting point and destination. Additionally, passengers can conveniently check stations near their current location. This feature enables catching a desired bus from any nearby location, even without knowing the station's names.
All station and bus movement information is directly accessible on Google Maps. The app offers language flexibility, allowing users to view content in both Bengali and English. Furthermore, users can change the interface's appearance to suit their preferences.
The digital service, identified as version 1.1.1, is compatible with Android 5 and above. Over the last two months, it has garnered more than 5,000 downloads and earned a commendable 4.4-star rating from 54 reviews. This 11 MB Android application can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.
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Dhaka City Bus Route
Launched on April 18, 2017, this mobile app, with a modest size of 4.2 MB, is a creation of 71 Lab. It stands out for its exceptional user-friendly search feature, allowing users the freedom to explore various routes without any limitations.
Beyond its primary function, the app enhances user experience by providing additional features such as directions to Dhaka's notable points of interest, crucial contact numbers for emergency services, and legal assistance.
The mobile software's journey continues with its latest version, designated as version 15, which received an update on November 28, 2023. Offering compatibility with Android 4.4 and higher operating systems, the app has garnered significant attention. With a remarkable 50,000-plus downloads, it has earned a commendable 3.7-star rating given by a diverse user base of 270 reviews so far.
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Dhaka Bus Route
Developed by Coderco, this Android app was launched on August 24, 2023. With a size of 5.8 MB, this app has quickly become a reliable database, encompassing not only local buses but also providing information on seating and counter buses. This app helps to locate of the public transport service in Dhaka
The app's journey through versions continues, with the current version standing at 2.2, a steadfast continuation since the last update on November 27, 2023. With a download count exceeding 1,000, the digital solution has garnered a favorable 4.3-star rating evaluated by a user community of 36 reviews.
To run this app, users need an Android 7.0 and above operating system on their phones.
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Dhaka City Bus Routes
This app by Ncosync has a download size of 14 MB. Launched on May 26, 2023, this app offers an expansive database, featuring over 156 buses and more than 287 route lists. This app's standout features include an effective search function and visuals of buses, providing users with a unique and comprehensive experience.
Updated on August 26, 2023, the app, currently at version 11.0.0, has seen its downloads surpass 1,000 since its launch. Compatible with Android 5 and above, it has earned a respectable 3.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
Read more: Best Ridesharing Apps in Bangladesh
BD Bus Route
With a download size of 6.1 MB, this app was released on November 14, 2021. Developed by the NewAgeDevs, this Android app allows users to view the routes of over 150 buses with ease. Its user-friendly interface has contributed to its impressive download count, exceeding 10,000. Featuring images of the vehicles, this app caters even to newcomers, providing a visual understanding of the various buses traversing the streets of Dhaka city.
Having achieved a 3.6-star rating from 27 reviewers, the Android app was last updated on November 6, 2023, reaching version 1.1.2. Compatibility requires at least Android 5 for uninterrupted functionality.
Read more: Top 5 Mobile Apps for Farmers in Bangladesh
Kon Bus Kothay Jay (Dhaka City)
Also known as Bus Route Info (Dhaka City), this 6.2 MB app by Global Digital Apps made its debut on the Google Play Store on November 25, 2021. The mobile software provides individual roadmaps for each bus company, offering users a comprehensive view of the diverse routes available.
One of its notable features is the ability to show fares based on rates set by the national transport authority. This is made possible through a direct link to another digital service, 'Vara Koto? Bus Vara Talika,' also offered by Global Digital Apps.
With a 3.6-star rating from 28 reviewers, the Android app has been downloaded more than 5,000 times. The current version, 2.2, was updated on August 14, 2023, requiring a minimum Android 5 operating system for smooth operation.
Read more: Top 7 Truck Rental Apps in Bangladesh
Verdict
So far, we have discussed 6 Android apps to find bus routes in Dhaka city. All of these mobile apps focus on the feature of information on bus traffic across the city. However, 71 Lab's veteran solution has secured its position in the market due to maintaining a consistent update. NewAgeDevs and Global Digital Apps lead in terms of the highest number of downloads in the shortest period. Not having been updated very recently could pose a significant drawback for Global Digital Apps' app, as well as Ncosync's.
Finally, if user preferences are considered, the apps developed by Coderco and Puresoft Solutions have great potential.
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Few public transport on Dhaka streets as tensions escalate surrounding AL, BNP events
The presence of public transport and other vehicles on Dhaka streets today (October 28) is relatively thin compared to other days, as tensions escalated surrounding the two big parties’ announced programs, causing immense commuting woes.
People who depend on public transport for their daily commute have been hit hard due to few vehicles on the roads.
Panic has gripped people over the scheduled rallies of BNP and Awami League in the capital.
Most are preferring to stay home unless they have any urgent work.
Thousands gather at Dhaka’s Nayapaltan for BNP’s grand rally
Though the day is a government holiday, those who work in private organizations are facing severe commuting problems.
The number of private cars, rickshaws and other vehicles on the streets are also few.
Streets in Shanir Akhra, Kakrail, Shantinagar, Mouchak, Dholaipar, Jatrabari, Sayedabad, Gulistan, Purana Paltan, and Jatiya Press Club areas have few public transport.
Many were seen waiting for buses to reach their respective destinations.
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No long route buses left from Gulistan.
Contacted, Joint Commissioner (Traffic-North) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Abu Saleh Md Raihan told UNB that the number of vehicles including public buses is low compared to other days.
Mariful Hasan, who had to commute to his office in Mouchak from Shewrapara, said, “I boarded a bus from Shewrapara which dropped me at Bijoy Sarani. Getting no public transport at that point, I decided to walk to Farmgate. Later, I managed to board a bus to Mouchak.”
Like Mariful, Rahul, who also worked for a private company, said he had to change transport twice to reach his office from Keraniganj.
Kaniz Fatema said she took a CNG-run three wheeler from Narayanganj to her office in Dhaka due to the lack of public transport.
Passengers suffer due to suspension of bus movement between Dhaka and Mymensingh ahead of BNP rally
Police and RAB personnel were seen patrolling the roads while a number of check-posts were set up to ensure security.
Thousands of law enforcers – police, RAB and other agencies – have been deployed in the capital city to prevent possible violence during the rallies.
AL and the BNP got permission from Dhaka Metropolitan Police to hold their rallies at their respective venues. Jamaat, however, did not get any go-ahead from DMP for their program.
BRTC launches bus service on Dhaka Elevated Expressway
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) launched its bus service on the Uttara-Farmgate route via Dhaka Elevated Expressway on Monday (September 18, 2023).
Road Transport and Highways Division secretary ABM Amin Ullah Nuri inaugurated the bus service at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital. Chairman of BRTC Md Tajul Islam was also present.
After the inauguration, the first bus left from Farmgate's Khejur Bagan Golchattar for Uttara Jasimuddin Road at 11:25 am.
Read: Traffic jam at landing points as Dhaka Elevated Expressway opens
Initially, a total of eight buses will carry passengers and commuters can board the buses from both ends of the expressway.
The buses will run all day from 7am in the morning and will continue as long as passengers are available.
On September 2, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the Airport-Farmgate segment of Dhaka Elevated Expressway.
Read: Elevated expressway a big step towards Smart Bangladesh: Korean Ambassador
About 80,000 vehicles will be able to use Dhaka Elevated Expressway every day once it is completed, project officials said.
When fully completed, the Dhaka Elevated Expressway will run from the capital’s Kawla to Kutubkhali area of Dhaka-Chattogram highway via Kuril-Banani-Mohakhali-Tejgaon-Moghbazar-Kamalapur-Sayedabad-Jatrabari, according to Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader.
Public transport thin in Dhaka; Commuters suffer
The presence of public transport was relatively thin in Dhaka on Thursday amid tension and fear of violence following Wednesday’s clash between police and BNP men, causing suffering to commuters.
Commuters were seen waiting on roads for long due to lack of public transport.
Md Asharf, operation manager of private transport agency ‘Alif Paribahan’, told UNB that though some 250 buses of the agency usually ply different roads in the city every day, the number was 130-135 buses since today’s morning.
Read more: Traffic movement halted in front of BNP’s Nayapaltan office
The number of passengers and general people on the roads was also thin compared to the normal days, he said adding that general people are not coming out of their houses unless they have any emergency work.
The number of passengers was low since morning, he said.
Md Hiron, a lineman of ‘Raich Paribahan’, said they have been operating 20-25 out of 40 buses on different routes as most of buses are running with a low number of passengers.
Abu Saleh Md Raihan, joint commissioner of traffic (north), said there was no traffic congestion in parts of the city today.
“The number of public transports on the roads is low compared to any other day,” he said.
Stop taking extra fares on public transport, HC asks BRTA
The High Court on Monday asked the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) to take measures to stop taking extra fares on public transport across the country.
The HC bench of Justice Mamunur Rahman and Khandaker Diliruzzaman passed the order after hearing on a writ petition.
It also issued a rule asking the authorities concerned to explain why the failure to enact rules regarding hike in fares of buses, minibuses and other public transport as per Section 122 of the Road Transport Act, 2018 will not be announced illegal and against the law.
The court also asked BRTA to take necessary measures to hang the list of fares in public transport and make it easily visible at each designated bus stop and display it through electronic billboards within a month.
Also read: Buses to run at full capacity, says transport owners’ leader
Supreme Court lawyer Md Abu Taleb, lawyer Mokhlesur Rahman and barrister Mustasim Tanjir stood for the petitioner.
In the writ petition, the road transport secretary, BRTA chairman and others were made respondents.
On January 4, lawyer Md Abu Taleb filed the writ petition seeking rule and directive of the High Court.
Also read: Extra fares in public transports: 1408 buses fined Tk 57.3 lakh in 30 days
Much-hyped ‘Dhaka Nagar Paribahan’ rolled out
The government has finally launched the ‘Dhaka Nagar Paribahan’ under bus route rationalisation programme of the two Dhaka city corporations on trial basis, aiming to streamline the public transport sector and reduce traffic jams in Dhaka. Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader inaugurated the bus services on Ghatarcha-Kanchpur route virtually from the secretariat on Sunday. While inaugurating the bus service, the minister said all kinds of necessary assistance will be provided to develop a disciplined and modern public transport system for the people living in Dhaka. “I was in a hospital for 12 days and today I’ve been discharged from the hospital. Instead of going back home from the hospital, I came here considering its importance,” he said. At the initial stage, 50 buses will be operated on the route which will be elevated to 100 in phases. The entire city will get the service in 2023.
READ: Bus services resume in parts of Chattogram city
Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh and Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) Mayor Atiqul Islam were present. In fact, Dhaka and its outskirts today account for more private vehicles than any other city in Bangladesh. The reason behind this unbridled rise in the number of private vehicles can be attributed to the lack of a robust public transport system. Also, most of the buses that ply in Dhaka are "unfit".