Dhaka Chaka, the Gulshan-Banani area circular bus service which has already been a big relief to commuters, is going to be even more user friendly. The authorities plan to introduce a mobile app for the popular bus service within the next three months.
The "Dhaka Chaka" app will be incorporated with the "Nogor" app which was introduced by the Dhaka North City Corporation (DNCC) to register the complaints of city residents.
"An app of Dhaka Chaka will be developed in three months and it will be included in the Nogor app," DNCC mayor Atiqul Islam told Dhaka Tribune.
Dhaka Chaka was introduced in August 2016 following the Holy Artisan terror attack when bus services were banned in those areas for security reasons.
Chairman of Dhaka Chaka, Monto Mia, told Dhaka Tribune they plan to provide a few services which commuters can enjoy through the app.
"For example, people will be able to buy tickets with the app and will also learn when the bus will arrive at the stop where a person will board," he added.
They will also be able to track the buses with the app he said, adding that the service has been running in the city for about three years and there has not been a single accident so far.
“I think all parts of the city should follow this model. If more than one company provides bus services in a particular area, there would be competition and could lead to more accidents,” said Mia.
“I think traffic congestion will come down if we can reduce the number of private cars on the streets and encourage people to use public transport,” he added.
Talking to this correspondent, Mohammad Fazle Rabbi, a Dhaka Chaka passenger in Gulshan, said he has been using the service since 2016 and so far his experience has been good.
However, he said the bus fare is a bit higher than other services.
In this regard the mayor said, if somebody wants to provide good service, they have to charge their customers accordingly.
Another commuter, Nirmal Chandra Das, said the bus service is better than other bus services in Dhaka, but sometimes the air conditioner doesn’t work.
Most commuters agreed that the bus drivers and helpers are more professional and well-behaved than on other bus services.
E-ticket service
Dhaka Chaka also offers an e-ticketing service called rapid pass. A passenger has to initially pay Tk200 to get the pass and can reuse it. They can recharge a minimum of Tk100 to a maximum of Tk1,000.
Prof. Dr. M.A. Hashem, Vice-President of Gulshan Society, said they have received positive feedback from people, who are benefitting from this service.
Dhaka Chaka buses run from Gulshan-2 to Gulshan-1, and Banani Kakoli to Notun Bazar.
A total of 44 buses serve these two routes. The company plans to add 15 more buses if they get permission from the concerned authorities.
Each bus has a seating capacity of 35 people. However, it is not a sitting-passenger only bus service. The bus runs from 6am through 10:30 pm every day.