Pink buses roll out in Dhaka to improve traffic, only available via counters

Starting today (6 February), a new system has been introduced for buses running from Abdullahpur to various parts of Dhaka.

These buses, painted in a distinctive pink color, will now only be accessible through designated counters.

There are 2,610 of these buses, which used to operate under 21 different companies.

To bring order to the process, an e-ticketing system has been put in place.

This development was reported by bdnews24.com.

The new service was officially launched at Azimpur in Uttara on Thursday, February 6, by Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sheikh Mohammad Sojjat Ali.

The commissioner explained that this initiative is just the first step toward improving the city‍‍`s traffic system, which has often been a source of frustration.

The aim is to eventually implement this counter-based system on all bus routes.

"When a foreigner arrives at Dhaka Airport, the first thing they notice is our chaotic traffic. Buses collide with one another, just like cattle. It‍‍`s an embarrassing sight that is often ridiculed online," said Commissioner Sojjat Ali.

He continued,

"On our streets, a woman with a child may not even be allowed to board a bus. Drivers drop passengers on the road, which is completely unacceptable."

The commissioner stressed that to fix Dhaka’s transport system, a change in habits is necessary.

He also urged bus owners to ensure that their drivers and helpers receive proper appointment letters.

“Make sure the appointment letters clearly state that if they don’t follow the rules, they will lose their jobs. As bus owners, you’re responsible for paying your drivers and helpers, and collecting the daily revenue. If there’s a loss, it’s on you. In business, you need to accept both the profits and the losses,” he said.

Saiful Alam, General Secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, explained that 100 counters will be set up on different routes, and most of these counters are already ready.

“We expect to have all buses painted and ready within the next 10 to 15 days. By adopting this counter-based system, we hope to bring some much-needed order to the roads,” he said.

Also present at the event were Md. Sarwar, Additional Commissioner (Traffic) of Dhaka Metropolitan Police, MA Baten, President of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association, and Humayun Kabir Khan, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Road Transport Workers Federation.