Dhaka Metro to Introduce Online Recharge for Rapid, MRT Passes

Dhaka’s Metro Rail currently operates with two types of permanent cards—the Rapid Pass and the MRT Pass. Both cards are being integrated into an online recharge system by the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA). Among them, the Rapid Pass is expected to begin online recharge services as early as October.

According to DTCA officials, passengers will be able to recharge both cards online with a minimum of Tk 100 and a maximum of Tk 5,000. Payments can be made through any bank card, as well as mobile financial services (MFS) such as Nagad, bKash, and Rocket. Internet banking will also be supported.

DTCA sources revealed that preparations to enable card recharge through the Rapid Pass website are already underway. The installation of Add Value Machines (AVMs) at metro stations has begun, with officials conducting regular inspections. If all goes as planned, online recharge for the Rapid Pass may launch by mid-October. To start with, four AVMs will be installed at each of the 16 Metro Rail stations. Looking ahead, DTCA plans to introduce Near Field Communication (NFC)-enabled mobile phones, which will allow passengers to directly purchase tickets and recharge cards through a mobile app from the comfort of their homes.

To recharge online, passengers must register their Rapid Pass or MRT Pass cards. Those who have not registered will need to visit the website rapidpass.com.bd to complete registration. After registration, passengers can select the recharge option, choose their preferred payment method, and enter the desired amount. Upon successful payment, an online confirmation message will be issued. The recharged amount will be added to the card when it is tapped on an AVM machine at any Metro Rail station.

Currently, nearly 1.6 million commuters use Rapid Pass and MRT Pass cards. Of these, around 60,000 cards were registered earlier. As of September 25, an additional 5,000 customers have completed their registration through the website.