Franchise-based bus services launched on 7 Dhaka routes

Dhaka launched an 861-bus company-based operation across seven routes on Sunday as part of efforts to bring order to the capital's chaotic public transport system. While the Bus Route Rationalisation Programme aims at curbing reckless racing and random stops, its success hinges on strict enforcement, driver training and transparent management rather than merely restructuring routes and repainting buses.

Capital Dhaka has no shortage of buses, yet commuters continue to suffer from poor public transport services. Competition among operators, random passenger pick-ups and drop-offs, disregard for designated stops and reckless overtaking remain common features of the city's transport system.

To address these problems, the government has introduced a company-based bus operation system, initially deploying 861 buses on seven routes. However, the real challenge lies in ensuring route discipline, vehicle fitness, proper passenger management and coordination among transport owners.

The system was inaugurated on Sunday at Manik Mia Avenue under the Bus Route Rationalisation Programme, initiated by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA). Seven transport companies will operate on designated routes covering approximately 200 kilometres.

According to the DTCA, the routes connect Shib Bari in Gazipur with Azimpur, Tongi with Azimpur, Mirpur Zoo with Chunkutia in Keraniganj, Ghatar Char with Demra Staff Quarter, Ghatar Char with Chittagong Road-Kanchpur, Ghatar Char with Dhour, and Mirpur-1 with Kakoli-Banani through a circular route.

The fleet comprises 253 buses operated by VIP City Paribahan, 20 by Dhaka City Paribahan, 133 by Chiriakhana City Paribahan, 80 by Ramzan Ali City Paribahan, 120 by Three Star City Paribahan, 225 by P.P.B. City Paribahan and 30 by Trust Transport Service.

Both air-conditioned and non-AC buses will operate under the system. Digital displays showing route numbers, destinations and vehicle serial numbers will be mandatory. Picking up or dropping off passengers outside designated stops, carrying excess passengers and overtaking other buses in violation of operating rules will be prohibited.

Competition among buses on the same routes has long contributed to congestion and road safety risks. In pursuit of more passengers, operators often run buses side by side, stop abruptly or attempt dangerous overtaking manoeuvres. Under the new arrangement, buses on each designated route will operate under a single company, which authorities expect to make route management and service monitoring easier.

However, changing the ownership or operational structure will not automatically eliminate these practices. If existing arrangements for bus ownership, driver recruitment and daily revenue collection remain unchanged, unhealthy competition could persist despite the new system.

Route allocation has also generated disputes. Rajanigandha Paribahan, which had operated on the Farmgate route for 36 years, was assigned the Kanchpur route under the new arrangement and sought a reconsideration of the decision. Prajapati and Paristhan were also among the operators facing route allocation complications. Concerns were raised over vehicle fitness and compliance with prescribed colour standards.

The DTCA plans to reorganise the capital's 98 active bus routes into 32 integrated corridors, with designated stops, electronic ticketing and GPS tracking.
DTCA Executive Director Mohammad Mashiur Rahman said the plan had been developed by analysing passenger demand, road capacity and traffic movement.