Dhaka:A new franchise-based bus operation system has been launched in Dhaka to streamline public transportation, bring discipline to bus services, and enhance the quality of passenger experience. The initiative was inaugurated on Sunday morning at Manik Mia Avenue in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the inauguration event was attended by Pabna-5 lawmaker and Chief Coordinator of the Transport Owners-Workers Unity Council, Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, who served as the chief guest. The program was chaired by Dhaka Transport Co-ordination Authority (DTCA) Executive Director (Secretary) Mohammad Mashiur Rahman. Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Mosleh Uddin Ahmed attended as the special guest.
Speaking at the event, the DMP commissioner mentioned his efforts on the bus route rationalisation initiative since assuming his role, describing it as a long-awaited project. The franchise-based system is initially introduced on a trial basis across six routes, with plans for gradual expansion.
The commissioner also highlighted that buses operating on 32 routes would eventually be assigned distinct colors and route numbers to facilitate easier identification for commuters. Digital display plates at the front of buses will help passengers readily identify the routes, contributing to a more organized and passenger-friendly public transport service.
The event also saw the presence of DMP Additional Commissioner (Traffic) Md Anisur Rahman, as well as officials from the Road Transport and Highways Division, Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA), Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), DMP, and senior representatives of transport owners' and workers' associations.