Users can now recharge rapid pass cards via mobile app

Rapid pass users can now recharge their cards through a dedicated mobile application, as the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) has made the app, titled "Rapid Pass," available on Google Play.

Officials said around 20,000 users have been using the app since it was unofficially released on Google Play last week.

"On average, Tk 500,000 is recharged daily through the app. It was opened for testing this week following successful internal trials," said an official of the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority's (DTCA) clearing house.

The formal inauguration of the app will be held at the DTCA on Monday by Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Sheikh Moinuddin.

The app supports DTCA's initiative to make the smart card more user-friendly.

Earlier, on November 25, the DTCA introduced an online recharge facility through its website, which requires users to log in first.

Through the app, users can recharge more conveniently using mobile financial services, credit and debit cards, including bKash and Nagad. They can also check the balance of their cards.

The DTCA's move has particularly benefited passengers of Mass Rapid Transit Line-6 (MRT-6), who previously had to wait in long queues at stations for recharging.

Using the app, rapid pass and MRT pass holders can recharge a minimum of Tk 100 and a maximum of Tk 2,000 at a time. However, users must place their smart cards on the add value machine (AVM) for validation after each recharge.

DTCA officials said efforts are under way to ensure enhanced security for cardholders. They also noted that, amid shortages of rapid pass cards, plans are being considered to allow the use of credit and debit cards on metro rail services.

The DTCA clearing house is also working to introduce a dual interface in the rapid pass so that it can function similarly to credit and debit cards. After successful implementation, banks may offer their branded credit or debit cards compatible with the MRT system, officials added.

This initiative will also help transform the rapid pass into an all-purpose smart card in the future, an official said.

The rapid pass was introduced as an all-purpose transport card in 2018, but its use expanded significantly after the inauguration of MRT-6 on December 30, 2022.

Since then, more than 1.3 million cards have been sold through clearing house banks and MRT stations. With six MRT lines in the pipeline, demand for rapid pass cards and plastic cards is expected to rise sharply.

At present, the rapid pass is also used on the Hatirjheel Circular Bus Service, in addition to MRT services.

smunima@yahoo.com