Rapid passes launched for Hatirjheel spl, BRTC bus services

After metro rail, rapid passes have now been introduced for bus services, giving bus passengers an opportunity to have a taste of a smart mass transport system.

The facility was officially launched on Sunday for Hatirjheel special bus service and waterbus service as well as a BRTC bus service on the Gazipur to Gulistan route via an expressway.

Passengers will now need to tap the Rapid Passes on the validator devices, set up inside the buses and waterbuses during entry and exit to pay their respective fares.

If anyone fails to tap the card before getting down from the vehicles, the person will be charged the entire route fare which will be automatically deducted from the card afterward.

Rail, Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Mohammad Fouzul Kabir Khan inaugurated the rapid pass for the Hatirjheel Chakrakar Bus at the FDC counter on the day as part of its launch for the services. Speaking on the occasion, he said with the launch of the card the city took a big step towards a smart mass transport system.

He expressed his hope that the rapid pass use would ensure transparency, accountability and cashless transaction in city transport.

Home Adviser's Special Assistant Mohammad Khoda Bokhs Chowdhury, Rail and Road Transport Adviser's Special Assistant Sheikh Moinuddin, Road Transport and Highways Secretary Ehsanul Hoque and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) Executive Director Neelima Akter were present on the occasion.

Special Assistant to BNP Chairperson and Chief Coordinator of Central Sramik Dal Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas and Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association General Secretary Mohammad Syful Islam were also present.

The DTCA which serves as the clearing house of the rapid pass has introduced the validator devices inside all these vehicles.

Rapid Pass was first introduced in the country as part of the move to ensure a uniform ticketing system for all kinds of transport in 2018.

However, despite efforts, the rapid passes could not be made popular due to various reasons, including non-cooperation of a section of bus operators.