Dhaka: Authorities of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6 have taken measures to introduce an easy ticketing system at every station to reduce passenger pressure. “We have floated tender for introducing the new system of procuring tickets easily as well as exiting easily through new entrance and outgoing gates, which would reduce pressure of passengers at station,” Nasir Uddin Ahmed, Director (Operation and Maintenance) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) told BSS here today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, a DMTCL source revealed that under the new system, passengers will be able to pay their fares directly by punching their bank debit or credit cards. Single journey tickets can also be purchased through mobile banking. It will take time to complete all activities as the authority will sign an agreement with an acceptable bidder to install the necessary equipment and software for the Universal Ticketing System (UTS).
The DMTCL is preparing to launch the UTS to make the ticketing process easier and more modern for metro rail passengers. All existing gates will remain active, and additional gates will be needed for launching the new system. “It will be an independent system of the MRT Line-6,” stated Ahmed.
The Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) invited tenders on April 28 to launch the new system, with around 30 domestic and foreign companies expressing interest. The authorities have sought technical and financial proposals from these entities.
The DMTCL source further stated that the company will not invest in the project. Instead, the selected contractor will install equipment and software and manage transactions at its own expense. A portion of income from ticket sales will be given to the contractor based on the bid.