Nagar Paribahan, pink bus services hit snag in Dhaka's transport overhaul

Efforts to bring discipline to Dhaka's notoriously chaotic public transport system through the Nagar Paribahan and pink bus services are faltering, with both initiatives grappling with major operational setbacks months after their respective launches.

The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority reintroduced the Nagar Paribahan service under the Bus Route Rationalisation project on 25 February, while the pink bus service – an initiative of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association – was launched independently on 6 February.

Insiders say despite promises of streamlined service and improved passenger experience, neither initiative has managed to transform Dhaka's transport landscape as projected.

Relaunch without reinforcement

Originally launched and later shelved due to inefficiencies, Nagar Paribahan was reintroduced with 35 air-conditioned buses operating along Route 21 (Gabtoli-Chashara).

Under the reformed bus route rationalisation initiative, it was announced that all bus operators on designated routes would be brought under the Nagar Paribahan umbrella, and unauthorised buses would be removed. However, implementation has fallen short.

Illegal buses continue to ply the route freely, forcing Nagar Paribahan into unfair competition. As a result, the operator has slashed the number of operational buses, leading to extended waiting times and a diminished passenger experience.

"Nagar Paribahan buses are air-conditioned, making the journey comfortable but the 30-40 minute wait is unbearable," said commuter Sanwar Ullah. 

Recent field visits revealed that the service is now running with less than half the required fleet – only seven to eight buses against a need for at least 20, making fewer than 15 trips per day.

A counter staff member, requesting anonymity, said, "Passengers can't be expected to wait for so long. This isn't sustainable."

Nagar Paribahan Operator Azizul Ansari admitted to cutting back services due to financial losses. "We've lost around Tk20 lakh in just one month. While we follow designated stops, illegal buses pick up passengers anywhere. This competition is unfair."

He added that the system was rolled out prematurely, with incomplete infrastructure such as ticket counters. "A vested group is even demanding extortion money to set up counters," he alleged.

Neelima Akhtar, executive director of Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority, acknowledged the issues. "We've instructed unauthorised buses to be removed, but it will take time. Discussions with the bus companies are ongoing. Eventually, all operators will be brought into the system."

She confirmed the reports of extortion and stated, "We have informed the police to take necessary action."

New paint, old problems

The pink bus service, aimed at reforming Dhaka's unruly public transport practices, is also under strain. The initiative involves over 2,600 buses from 21 companies, with ticket purchases required before boarding and strict rules against unscheduled stops.

Yet from the outset, the system has been plagued by mismanagement.

Commuters complain that buses still stop randomly in the middle of roads, counters are insufficient, and service remains largely unchanged from traditional operations.

Mehedi Hasan Hasib, a passenger, said, "The only difference is the colour. The seats are still broken, and buses are charging Tk5-Tk10 extra over regular fares."

Another passenger, Anwar Shamim from Badda, added, "There are no ticket counters at most stops, and the buses operate like any local service."

SM Ahmed Khokon, treasurer of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners' Association, blamed several factors: lack of space for counters, competition from BRTC and local buses, and opposition from transport workers whose earnings are affected by the discipline-focused model. 

"Despite the setbacks, we are committed to making it work. A meeting will be held soon to reassess and enforce the rules more effectively," he added.

Both the Nagar Paribahan and pink bus services were launched with ambitions to end the disorderly contract-based bus operations that have long plagued Dhaka's roads. However, a lack of enforcement, resistance from vested interests, and incomplete preparation have so far undermined these efforts.