Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority
Bus route rationalisation
Bus route rationalisation
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Following the [2018 Bangladesh road\-safety protests](/wiki/2018_Bangladesh_road-safety_protests "2018 Bangladesh road-safety protests"), Prime Minister [Sheikh Hasina](/wiki/Sheikh_Hasina "Sheikh Hasina") directed the [Dhaka South City Corporation](/wiki/Dhaka_South_City_Corporation "Dhaka South City Corporation") and [Local Government and Rural Development Ministry](/wiki/Ministry_of_Local_Government%2C_Rural_Development_and_Co-operatives "Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives") (LGRD) to consolidate Dhaka's bus services under a few companies and routes, instead of the present hundreds of routes served by hundreds of private companies. The plan was envisioned by late [Annisul Huq](/wiki/Annisul_Huq "Annisul Huq"), former mayor of [Dhaka North City Corporation](/wiki/Dhaka_North_City_Corporation "Dhaka North City Corporation").

On 9 September 2018, the [Local Government Division](/wiki/Local_Government_Division "Local Government Division") established a 10\-member coordination committee, managed by the DTCA, with the aim of rationalising bus routes and consolidating all public buses under a fixed number of companies, to instil discipline in the capital's public transport system. Subsequently, the Dhaka Nagar Paribahan franchise, comprising [Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation](/wiki/Bangladesh_Road_Transport_Corporation "Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation") (BRTC) and Trans Silva, commenced operations with their fleet of 50 existing buses on 26 December 2021 with a trial run on a  route between Ghatarchar and Kanchpur via Motijheel and Signboard.

During the pilot phase, the service faced criticism on multiple fronts. Bus operators cited difficulties in attracting passengers due to competition from other buses, leading to financial losses. Drivers expressed dissatisfaction over incomplete salary payments, highlighting potential financial mismanagement. Commuters also complained about inadequate bus numbers, resulting in long waiting times and passenger frustration due to insufficient service capacity.

As of 2024, the Dhaka Nagar Paribahan franchise is facing significant challenges due to allegations of mismanagement by the committee. The service has reportedly lost discipline, operating buses on a daily contract basis with drivers, who often deviate from designated procedures by picking up passengers through flagging instead of only stopping at designated ticket counters. Moreover, private companies have withdrawn from the franchise due to financial losses, leaving only BRTC and its diminishing fleet of buses. Additionally, one route has been closed, exacerbating the strain on the already struggling service.


How did the government respond to the 2018 Bangladesh road-safety protests?