Metro rail to introduce easy ticketing system

Authorities of the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Line-6 have taken measures to introduce easy ticketing system at every station to reduce pressure of passengers.

"We have floated tender for introducing the new system of procuring ticket easily as well as exiting easily through new entrance and outgoing gates, which would reduce pressure of passengers at station," Nasir Uddin Ahmed, director (Operation & Maintenance) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) told BSS today (24 June).

He said four additional easy access gates will be installed at every station, of which two will be entrance and two outgoing gates.

According to a DMTCL source, under the new system, passengers will be able to pay their fares directly by punching their bank debit or credit cards. Single journey tickets can also be purchased through mobile banking.

He said it will take time to complete all the activities as the authority will sign agreement with an acceptable bidder to install the necessary equipment and software for the UTS. 

The DMTCL is preparing to launch the 'Universal Ticketing System' (UTS) to make the ticketing process easier and more modern for metro rail passengers. 

He said all existing gates will be active side by side additional gates will be needed for launching the new system, adding, "It will be an independent system of the MRT Line-6."

The Central Procurement Technical Unit (CPTU) invited tenders on 28 April to launch the new system, while around 30 domestic and foreign companies expressed interest in it. 

The authorities sought technical and financial proposals from their sides. 

The DMTCL source further said that the company will not invest for the project. But selected contractor will take responsibility for installing equipment and software along with managing the transaction at its own expense.

A portion of income from ticket sales will be given to the contractor based on the bid, the source said.