e-ticketing for bus services on trial run in Dhaka

The pilot programme has received a ‘good response’ on the first day, says president of Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association

Public transport owners have introduced an e-ticketing system for bus services experimentally in Dhaka to prevent extra fares.

The pilot programme received a “good response” from passengers after its launch on four routes, said Khandker Enayet Ullah, president of Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association.

The routes and companies are Dhakeshwari-bound Mirpur Super Link from Mirpur-12, Prajapati and Paristhan from Ghatarchar to Uttara, Basumati Paribahan buses from Gabtoli to Gazipur.

Three more routes used by Asim Paribahan, Rajdhani Paribahan and Noor-e-Makkah will be added to the programme on Sunday, Enayet Ullah said.

Passengers see a huge difference between the waybill system and e-ticketing.

Golam Faruk, a resident of Dhaka’s Kalabagan, said the fare from Dhanmondi 27 to Sheora Para was Tk 20 in the waybill system, but it is Tk 13 in e-ticketing. “This method is good for us.”

The previous fare from Asad Gate in the capital to Mirpur 1 was Tk 25 which is now Tk 13 in the e-ticketing system.

"There is no scope to charge extra fare from the passengers in this system. Hopefully, we will be able to inaugurate the e-ticketing system very soon," said Enayet Ullah.

There will be agents from Dhaka Road Transport Authority at every bus stop. People have to buy a ticket from them to get on the bus. No passenger will be picked up between the stoppages. Students can travel at a 50 percent discount, Enayet Ullah said.