BRTC buses on Dhaka expressway from 18 Sept: All you need to know

The Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTC) has announced that it will operate eight double-decker buses on the Dhaka Elevated Expressway from Monday (18 September).

The state-owned agency will be the public transport operator to use the 22.5km expressway, allowing ordinary people to travel on it at low-cost.

Where to board

According to information disclosed by BRTC Chairman Tajul Islam the buses will operate from both ends - Uttara to Farmgate- of the elevated expressway.

He said, "Passengers will be able to board the buses from both ends of the expressway for now. BRTC will pick up south-bound [Farmgate] passengers from Jashimuddin Road in Uttara, Airport Railway Station and Kawla.

"The buses will directly reach Farmgate through the expressway in one pull,"

On the other hand, he continued, "After dropping passengers at Farmgate, the buses will pick up airport-bound passengers at Bangabandhu Roundabout in Khejur Bagan area of Sangsad Bhaban, adjacent to Manik Mia Avenue.

"Therefore, north-bound passengers can board from Khejur Bagan, Khamarbari or Bijay Sarani."

Where to get off

Similar to boarding, passengers will have the option to get off the buses at the same stations. The buses will not stop on the expressway. 

Fare

BRTC is planning to keep the bus fare on the expressway route at the existing rate fixed by the government without adding any tolls.

BRTC Chairman Tajul said, "For now, BRTC will not add the expressway toll to the fare.

However, the toll will be added to the bus fare later, said the BRTC 

Tajul informed that passengers will have to pay Tk35 for travelling 15km from Khejur Bagan area adjacent to the Jatiya Sangsad to the airport station and Tk40 for travelling 17km to Jasimuddin.

The fare has been fixed at a rate of Tk2.45 per kilometre, the existing rate fixed by the government.

With the e-ticketing system, there will be no scope to charge extra.