One company to operate buses on each Dhaka route: Minister

The government plans to bring all bus services in the capital under a route-based company system, with a separate company operating buses on each route to improve discipline and efficiency in public transport, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Thursday.

Speaking at a dialogue organised by Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat media centre, the minister said buses on each route would be operated under a unified management system involving existing owners. The services will follow uniform standards, including vehicle fitness, colour schemes and passenger facilities.

He said the government is working to streamline the bus sector and reduce disorder on city roads. Efforts are also underway to encourage the use of electric vehicles, with significant progress already made in this regard.

According to the minister, bus owners are currently working on determining which companies will operate specific routes under the proposed system.

He said buses will be required to operate only on designated routes and stop at approved terminals and bus stops. Passengers will be allowed to board and alight only at these designated points, ending the widespread practice of picking up and dropping off passengers at random locations.

The adviser noted that the current system, in which buses owned by different operators compete on the same routes, has created unhealthy competition and traffic disorder. Many buses fail to stop at designated terminals, contributing to congestion and safety concerns.

The minister acknowledged that major bus terminals, including Sayedabad, Mohakhali and Gabtoli, currently lack adequate passenger facilities. City corporations have therefore been tasked with upgrading infrastructure, including toilets, functional fans and larger waiting rooms.

He added that bus owners have agreed to invest in terminal improvements if suitable space and facilities are provided. Meanwhile, metropolitan police will enhance security through the installation of additional street lights and CCTV cameras to ensure a safer environment for passengers.

TZ