Dhaka:The government is set to introduce six new bus routes on November 1 as part of an initiative to enhance public transportation in the capital. This effort aims to organize the current 98 bus routes into 32 integrated ones, targeting improved discipline and reduced congestion.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Bus Route Rationalisation (BRR) programme is designed to tackle issues such as competition among operators and inadequate passenger services. This reorganization will begin with the launch of six routes, with the rest to follow in phases.
The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) plans to have buses on each route managed by a single company to improve operational discipline. DTCA Executive Director Mohammad Mashiur Rahman emphasized the plan's focus on aligning bus routes with actual passenger demand and traffic data.
The routes set to start include connections from Shibbari Chowrasta in Gazipur to Dhakeshwari Temple, Mirpur Zoo to Chulkutia, and others. The initiative, first proposed in 2011, has been adjusted following extensive surveys and consultations with relevant authorities and stakeholders.
The revised plan, based on surveys and data analysis, anticipates that the 32 routes could handle around 3.7 to 3.8 million passenger trips daily. The initiative includes major transport hubs and proposes both non-air-conditioned and air-conditioned buses, along with three circular bus services.
Officials are optimistic that this phased approach will lead to a more organized and passenger-friendly transport system in Dhaka.