A counter-based bus service was launched in Dhaka on Thursday morning, rolling out a new system for public transportation.
Initially, 2,610 pink-coloured buses from 21 companies will operate on various routes along the Gazipur-Dhaka routes.
Speaking at the inaugural event on Thursday morning, Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association General Secretary Saiful Alam remarked that the initiative aims to improve passenger service, restore order on the roads, and reduce traffic congestion.
He assured that fares would remain unchanged, and students would still receive half-fares as before.
Under this new transport system, buses will no longer operate on a contract basis. Passengers must purchase tickets from designated counters and board buses from specified stops. Buses will not stop outside the designated points for picking up or dropping off passengers.
Saiful Alam also mentioned that each counter would display a complaint number, allowing passengers to report any issues. He further announced plans to expand this counter-based system to other routes, including Mirpur and Mohammadpur.
At the event, Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Sheikh Md. Sajjat Ali emphasised that the initiative was introduced to enhance order in the transport sector, ease traffic congestion, and control air pollution. He urged both transport owners and passengers to act responsibly.
Additionally, the DMP commissioner called on bus owners to provide appointment letters to drivers.
Bd-pratidin English/Fariha Nowshin Chinika
