Metro rail, the recently opened crown jewel of Dhaka public transportation, has garnered praise for its station management, service quality, and the creation of a hawker-free environment within the bustling city.
However, some commuters have recently voiced their dissatisfaction concerning the haphazard display of advertisements within metro rail coaches.
Many argue that while the metro rail authorities have the right to advertise for increased revenue, the placement of these posters risks compromising the aesthetic appeal of the public transport measure.
Numerous commuters have taken to social media platforms like Facebook to express their discontent.
A visit to the Agargaon metro rail station on a Monday afternoon revealed an advertisement prominently featured in one of the coaches being a talking point among passengers.
Sanjida, a passenger from Uttara North, acknowledged the importance of Metrorail advertising but expressed concern about the visual impact.
She said: “I think the way the posters have been placed at different places has spoiled the beauty of the metro rail. Instead of putting up posters everywhere, it is better to put advertisements on the train doors or next to the seats, so that the ads do not look like a nuisance.”
Another passenger, Shamim from Mirpur 10, likened the arrangement of ads to a "moving Farmgate”, stating that it detracted from the beauty of the metro.
He recommended that advertising plans be devised with greater consideration for preserving the aesthetic appeal of the rail system.
Abu Saeed, another passenger, recommended designing advertisements specifically tailored for metro rail, emphasizing its role as a common people's transport.
He stressed the need to accommodate diverse opinions and suggested creating ads with universal appeal.
In response to these concerns, Md Abdur Rauf, company secretary (joint secretary) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), explained that Media Com had been legally awarded a one-year advertising contract through a tender process.
“Advertisements will also run on our display. Advertisements are a source of revenue for metro rail authorities. They exist all over the world. If there is no income, the fares for passengers will increase,” he added.
Abdur Rauf emphasized that advertising is a vital source of revenue for metro rail authorities worldwide and noted that without such income, passenger fares could potentially increase.
He assured that the metro rail authorities have conditions in place to ensure advertisements are passenger-friendly and committed to not undertaking any actions that would negatively impact passengers.
Abdur Rauf expressed the intention to investigate the specific concerns raised about the loss of beauty and explore ways to enhance the advertising approach.
