DHAKA, July 20, 2025 (BSS) - Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) today launched the 'Rapid Pass', a digital fare payment system, for the Hatirjheel circular bus service.

"Our goal is to modernise urban transport system and ensure smooth journey for city dwellers. We restore comfort in public transport," Road Transport and Bridges Adviser Muhammad Fouzul Kabir Khan told the launching ceremony.

Addressing the event as the chief guest, he said that the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) had launched an operation today to remove unfit buses from the streets.

Chief Adviser's Special Assistant on Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges Sheik Moinuddin said the newly launched technology will gradually be implemented for toll plazas and trains.

Khuda Baksh Chowdhury, special assistant to the chief adviser on Home Affairs, Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, special assistant to the chief adviser on Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology Ministry, Ehsanul Haque, senior secretary of Road Transport Division and Advocate Shamsur Rahman Shimul Biswas, chief coordinator of Sammilita Sramik Parisad ,were also present at the inauguration event as the special guests.

The DTCA, which manages the Rapid Pass system, announced plans to expand the digital payment system across different bus routes in the city in phases.

DTCA Executive Director Neelima Akhtar said the Rapid Pass Card can be used to travel on all public transports including the Metrorail. 

"There is no chance to charge additional fare over the government-set fare. It will also reduce hassle to passengers. Rapid Pass users at metro rail increased to 68 percent, which will be 70 percent within short time," she said.

She said the online recharge facility for Rapid Pass will also be ensured within the shortest time.

According to the card service information, Rapid Pass card will be available at Hatirjheel circular bus service counters, metro rail stations, 142 branches and sub-branches of Dutch Bangla Bank.

Travelers can also recharge the card through website and mobile apps soon, it said.