Metro to Introduce Universal Ticketing System Amid Rapid Pass Shortage

To address passenger inconvenience caused by the slow performance of current vending machines, Dhaka Metro Rail is set to introduce a new Universal Ticketing System (UTS) that will allow commuters to pay fares using both cards and mobile banking platforms.

However, according to officials, metro passengers will need to wait at least six more months before the new system is fully implemented. Once launched, the UTS will coexist with the existing Rapid Pass, MRT Pass, and Single Journey Card systems.

AKM Khairul Alam, Director of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), stated, “For various reasons, vending machines sometimes face mechanical issues. However, we have manpower in place to resolve them promptly and they work regularly. Still, to make metro services more lively and to simplify ticketing, we are working on the UTS.”

Sources confirm that the new system will involve the installation of updated machines at metro stations, which will allow passengers to pay fares using debit and credit cards.

According to Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) sources, in January, a company named Prime Power Solution was tasked with supplying 250,000 Rapid Pass cards. These cards, imported from Indonesia, are to be delivered to DTCA by next month. As of now, however, only 118,000 cards have been received, delivered in several small batches. Due to this delay, passengers have been unable to obtain Rapid Pass cards as per demand for the past three to four months.

As a result, MRT authorities are actively working on integrating alternative technological solutions to improve ticketing and enhance commuter experience.