“Pink buses” have started their journey today (6 February). This new ticket counter-based bus service was introduced in an effort to bring order to the city’s public transport system and enhance passenger safety.
Many were seen posting photos of the tickets on social media today.
A total of 2,610 pink buses, operated by 21 different companies, will now run on various routes from Abdullahpur to destinations across the capital, said Md Saiful Alam, general secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association.
Under the new system, passengers must purchase tickets from designated counters before boarding, and buses will only stop at specified locations for passenger pick-up and drop-off. This measure aims to eliminate the longstanding issue of trip-based bus operations, which has contributed to chaotic competition, traffic congestion, and frequent accidents.
The new ticketing system is part of a broader initiative to reform Dhaka’s public transport sector. Following discussions with the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges in December, bus owners were instructed to shift from trip-based driver contracts to fixed-term agreements. This change is expected to improve working conditions for drivers and reduce reckless driving practices.
The service was inaugurated at 10:30 a.m. from Abdullahpur, marking the first phase of implementation.
According to Saiful, similar ticket counter systems will be introduced in Mirpur, Gabtoli, and Mohammadpur later this month, with the goal of eventually covering all buses in Dhaka.
He went on to say that all buses in Dhaka will operate under this system, requiring passengers to purchase tickets from designated counters and board at specific stops.
“Training is currently underway for bus drivers and assistants on the new ticket system and passenger service protocols,” he said.
The Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association emphasises the importance of courteous behaviour from transport workers towards passengers.
Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association President MA Baten, Treasurer ASM Ahmed Khokon, Office Secretary Kazi Md Jobair Masud, and other members of the association were present at the briefing.