Rapid Pass expansion delayed until June
The Rapid Pass is currently being used only on the Metro Rail and a limited number of BRTC buses
Highlights:
- System's integrated software is still under development
- Rapid Pass is currently only used on Metro Rail, a few BRTC buses
- Bus validators will be installed once software is operational
- Rapid Pass will first be used on buses within BRR, BRT systems
- DTCA is making 11.5 lakh cards available, with plans for more
- A clearing house has been built for central record-keeping, fare disbursement
The much-anticipated Rapid Pass, envisioned as a single card for all forms of public transport, will not be available for use across all transport modes until at least June this year.
The integrated software required for the project, "Establishment of Clearing House for Integrating Transport Ticketing System in Dhaka City and Adjacent Districts," is still under development and is expected to be operational by June. Once this is done, bus validators will be installed to enable the use of the card for bus travel.
Currently, the Rapid Pass is being used only on the Metro Rail and a limited number of BRTC buses.
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Project Director Mohammad Mamunur Rahman, who is also a Senior Road Safety Specialist at the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), provided updates on the project's progress.
"A successful trial run of the software has already been conducted, signalling the project's readiness to move forward. Once the software is fit for operation, service providers will be invited to purchase validators on which the card will be used," he said.
Explaining the validator system, he added, "The validators are fixed devices attached to bus bodies and passengers will need to tap their Rapid Pass on the device when boarding and alighting. The fare will be automatically deducted from the card."
Regarding the mass launch, he said that the Rapid Pass will initially be implemented on buses under the Bus Route Rationalization (BRR) and Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems. These buses will either come with pre-installed validators or have them installed before being put into service. However, he could not specify an exact launch date.
To support the implementation, DTCA is making approximately 11.5 lakh cards available, with further expansions planned.
"Under the project, we have already purchased four lakh Rapid Pass cards and plan to propose buying 2.5 lakh more. Additionally, DTCA will buy another five lakh cards, and more will be added if demand increases to prevent any shortages," said Mamunur Rahman.
He also shared updates on the broader project, stating that a clearing house has already been built.
"The clearing house will serve as the central system for record-keeping and disbursement. Through this system, income will be shared among all service providers, ensuring a streamlined and transparent fare collection process," he explained.
Each service provider or stakeholder will have a bank account at Dutch Bangla Bank Limited (DBBL), and DTCA will oversee both the software and all financial transactions.
"DTCA will manage the central system and fund, taking up to a 3% service charge. The charge will vary from company to company and will be determined during the agreement with each service provider," he said.
DTCA is also working on enabling users to recharge their Rapid Pass cards through mobile financial services (MFS).
"Currently, passengers can recharge their Rapid Pass cards through DBBL, the official banking partner, and at metro stations. In a bid to improve accessibility, a software system will soon be developed to allow online recharging of the cards via MFS. However, it will take approximately 1 to 1.5 years for the software to be completed," he added.
Regarding the benefits of the Rapid Pass, he mentioned that the system would enhance transparency in fare collection and reduce manpower costs.
"No bus contractor will be required, as the system automates the entire process," he said.
To encourage adoption, passengers using the Rapid Pass will receive a 10% fare discount.
For those without a Rapid Pass, a cash payment option will still be available at the validator. "The machine will generate a QR code printed on paper, allowing passengers to travel by using the code," Mamunur Rahman explained.
