After several failed attempts to bring order to the public transportation system in the capital through the implementation of bus route rationalization, authorities have once again undertaken a new initiative.
The Bus Route Rationalization Committee has announced plans to bring all buses in Dhaka under a single company, operating on specific routes.
According to sources involved in the project, political interference had previously hindered the success of this initiative. However, following the political transition on August 5, new possibilities have emerged.
The concept of bus route rationalization or a bus route franchise was first proposed in Dhaka's 20-year transportation plan formulated in 2004.
In 2016, the late mayor of Dhaka North City Corporation, Annisul Huq, initiated efforts to streamline Dhaka's more than 100 bus routes into five distinct routes with color-coded buses.
After his passing in 2017, the initiative lost momentum. Subsequently, in November 2018, the former mayor of Dhaka South City Corporation, Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh, was appointed chairman of the Bus Route Rationalization Committee.
The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) proposed operating buses on 42 routes under 22 companies with nine distinct colors.
After several stakeholder meetings, a pilot project named "Dhaka Nagar Paribahan" launched in 2021 with 50 buses on three routes, later increasing to 100 buses.
However, due to the simultaneous operation of other companies on the same routes, lack of cooperation from transport owners, and poor management, the project did not achieve the desired results.
After the Awami League government was ousted from power on August 5, the initiative was halted entirely.
The interim government now aims to successfully implement this project.
On November 11, following the 29th meeting of the Bus Route Rationalization Committee, Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator and Committee Chairman Nazrul Islam announced that all bus companies in Dhaka would be dissolved and integrated under one company.
He said that a committee of 10-12 members would be formed to draft a business model and operational framework.
The next meeting is scheduled for December 11.
All buses on the city’s 42 routes will be operated under the name "Dhaka Nagar Paribahan," and companies will be selected based on specific qualifications.
Bus companies have been asked to apply for integration under Dhaka Nagar Paribahan throughout November, with the assurance that buses from non-applying companies will not be allowed to operate.
A total of 170 companies have submitted applications, and these are currently being reviewed.
Simultaneously, steps are being taken to reorganize routes and establish efficient management systems.
Dhruvo Alam, director of the Bus Route Rationalization Project, said that applications from 170 bus companies cover nearly all buses operating in Dhaka. A reorganization of the current 388 legal and illegal routes into 40-45 routes is underway, and data analysis on these routes is ongoing.
DTCA Executive Director Neelima Akhtar emphasized that stringent measures would be taken against buses operating without route permits or violating routes.
“Initiatives for driver and helper training, organized by both government and private entities, are also planned. DTCA has already prepared a proposal for canceling inactive routes and revising new ones as needed. Over 110 bus stops have been constructed through DNCC and DSCC,” she added.
Transport owners have expressed support for establishing order in Dhaka's public transport sector.
Saiful Alam, convener of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, mentioned that for 15 years, extortion, occupation, and terrorism have plagued the sector, orchestrated by individuals affiliated with the Awami League.
He assured that owners now aim to restore discipline and ensure workers receive fair wages.
Features of Dhaka Nagar Paribahan
Sources indicate that the public transport system in the city will be known as "Dhaka Nagar Paribahan," while transport connecting to areas outside the city will be called "Shahartoli Paribahan."
Of the 42 routes, 34 will serve the city and 8 the suburbs. Buses will be registered under the company name, and no permits or registrations will be issued under individual names.
Operations will be ticket-based, with plans to introduce rapid passes in the future.
Existing buses will be repaired and upgraded, with features such as automatic doors, adjusted seating, and higher steps.
Cameras, including dashcams, will be installed on buses and at bus stops.
Drivers and helpers will be employed directly by the company and will not collect fares from passengers.