Rapid, MRT Passes recharge facility via mobile app inaugurated

Rapid Pass and MRT Passes for metro rail and other public transport systems can now be recharged online through a mobile app.

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant for the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges, Sheik Moinuddin, inaugurated the service at the conference room of the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) in Tejgaon.

At the inauguration ceremony, it was stated that this app-based service has been launched as part of the ongoing initiative to digitise and modernise the country's public transport system.

Through this service, the use of smart cards in the metro rail and other public transport systems in the future will gain further momentum.

The authorities said that through the app, users can safely recharge their Rapid Pass and MRT Pass without visiting counters.

The app will also allow users to view recharge history and card usage details, instantly check balances using Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled smartphones, and make payments through multiple digital platforms, including bKash, Rocket, Visa, AMEX, and MasterCard.

The usage procedure of the new app was explained at the event. To avail of online recharge services, users must download the app from the Google Play Store and complete a one-time sign-up process.

Users previously registered on the Rapid Pass website can log in to the app using the same credentials. After logging in, previously linked cards will be displayed automatically, and users can add new Rapid Pass or MRT Pass cards if needed.

The authorities further informed that a minimum of Taka 100 and a maximum of Taka 5,000 can be recharged online at a time. However, after online recharge, the balance will not be activated until the card is tapped on an add-value machine at metro stations. Once the recharge is successful, a confirmation message will be sent to the registered mobile number.

It was also stated that only one pending online recharge can be maintained on a card at a time. Blacklisted cards or illegal cards cannot be recharged. Although users can apply to cancel a pending recharge within seven days before tapping the card on an add-value machine, a five percent service charge will be applicable in such cases.

Using the newly launched app, passengers will be able to recharge their cards anytime from anywhere. The authorities said this initiative will improve the quality of passenger services and pave the way for wider use of Rapid Pass across buses, metro rail, and other public transport systems in the future.

Earlier, on 25 November last year, online recharge facilities were introduced through the Rapid Pass website at Agargaon Metro Station. At that time, the launch of a mobile app was also announced. Following that announcement, the Android-based Rapid Pass app was made available on the Google Play Store from 1 January this year.

Dr Md Mashiur Rahman, Executive Director (in charge) of the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), chaired the event.