To introduce digital ticketing to its commuters for the first time, Bangladesh Railway is planning to launch prepaid smart cards, or Spass, under a three-month-long pilot project from September to November this year.
The experimental ticketing system will be introduced in the commuter service “Turag Mail Express” plying between Joydebpur and Dhaka.
Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) and N-Wave Co Bd Ltd, a Japan-based software development firm, is undertaking the project.
Though digital ticketing in Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation’s (BRTC) bus service has fallen flat, the DTCA authorities are looking for ways to encourage people to accept the new technology, which will save them standing in long queues when purchasing train tickets.
Shahjahan Ali, managing director of the N-Wave said: “We have a plan to run a week-long campaign through distributing leaflets and onsite guidance, to raise awareness and inform train commuters about the system.”
“The purpose of launching the prepaid cards is to ease the hassle commuters face while collecting tickets. Commuters can also use this card for travelling by BRTC buses.”
“Moreover, we have been planning to set up several booths in every station, where people can collect their cards for Tk300,” he said.
Meanwhile, while talking to passengers it was found that they were interested in embracing the new system.
Kazi Rafayet Hossain, a student of a private university, said: “I have heard about Spass. I will use it as it will save me the hassle while collecting tickets.”
Another passenger, Anwar Sadaat thought the same. He said: “I have been travelling by train for the last two years. It’s cheaper than buses, and moreover it saves my time. I will use Spass once it is introduced.”
However, some of the passengers protested the decision, saying two systems at a time will not be very effective.
A passenger named Moniruzzaman said: “Two different ticketing systems will confuse people. I do not think this will bring a success. Moreover, Bangladeshi people are never comfortable using new technology.”
Another passenger, Milon Mia said: “I do not have any problem to collect tickets through long queues. I am happy with the manual system. I do not want to go digital.”
Earlier in April last year, N-Wave had introduced the Spass in four BRTC routes.
