‘One company, one route’

Trial bus services on 6 routes to begin Nov 1

Dhaka is set to launch trial company-based bus services on six routes from November 1 under the “One company, one route” initiative to streamline public transport.

The routes, operators, bus numbers and stoppages were discussed at a meeting held by Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) yesterday.

According to Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), the trial will initially cover five non-AC routes and one AC route, with three circular routes expected to be added two months later.

Dhrubo Alam, deputy transport planner at DTCA, said the implementation will begin shortly.

DTCA has identified six of 32 proposed main routes and five of 25 circular routes for the first phase.

The six main routes are Gazipur-Dhakeshwari Temple, Gabtoli-Demra, Duaripara-Sadarghat, Ghatarchar-Demra, Ghatarchar-Kanchpur and Mirpur-12-Mawa.

The Gazipur-Dhakeshwari Temple route will run from Shibbari via Tongi, the airport, Mohakhali and New Market. Bikash Paribahan, Bikash Sheba Transport and Device Paribahan have been asked to form a company.

The Gabtoli-Demra route will remain unchanged, passing through Shyamoli, Mohakhali, Gulshan-1 and Rampura. Alif Enterprise, Boishakh Paribahan and Roych Paribahan have been asked to combine operations.

The Duaripara-Sadarghat route will pass through Shyamoli, Science Lab and Azimpur. Dishari Paribahan, Tanzil Paribahan, Metro Link and Transsilva will coordinate services, including arrangements for proposed Route 16 extending to Kanchpur.

The Ghatarchar-Demra route will pass through Mohammadpur, Shahbagh and Rampura, while Ghatarchar-Kanchpur will run via Shahbagh, Paltan and Signboard.

Ramzan, Malancha Paribahan, Midline Paribahan and Rajnigandha Paribahan will coordinate operations on both routes.

The Mirpur-12-Mawa route will pass through Farmgate, Shahbagh, Gulistan and Keraniganj, with Swadhin Paribahan, Bihanga Paribahan, Bikalpa Paribahan and Shikor Paribahan jointly arranging services.

DMP and the two city corporations have been instructed to identify bus stops, install ticket counters, clear footpath encroachments and remove unauthorised battery-run rickshaws.

DTCA also decided to conduct mobile courts with police assistance from October 18 to 22.