Dhaka to Launch Trial ‘One Company, One Route’ Bus Services

By the Editorial Team · Monday, October 19, 2026

Dhaka will begin a trial of its “One company, one route” bus service on November 1, involving six key routes managed by joint operator companies to enhance coordination and efficiency. This initiative aims to reduce service overlaps and improve public transport quality, with broader implementation planned after evaluating the initial phase.

Dhaka is preparing to launch a trial phase of its “One company, one route” public bus service initiative on November 1, aiming to improve the organization and efficiency of the city’s transport system. The trial will cover six main routes, including one air-conditioned route and five non-air-conditioned routes. Three additional circular routes are expected to be integrated approximately two months after the initial launch.

The selected routes for the first phase are Gazipur-Dhakeshwari Temple, Gabtoli-Demra, Duaripara-Sadarghat, Ghatarchar-Demra, Ghatarchar-Kanchpur, and Mirpur-12-Mawa. These routes cover major areas of Dhaka and include significant transit points such as Shibbari, Tongi, the airport, Mohakhali, New Market, Shahbagh, and Rampura, among others.

Operators have been assigned to form joint companies to manage specific routes. For the Gazipur-Dhakeshwari Temple route, Bikash Paribahan, Bikash Sheba Transport, and Device Paribahan are collaborating. Alif Enterprise, Boishakh Paribahan, and Roych Paribahan will operate the Gabtoli-Demra route, which will maintain its current alignment. Dishari Paribahan, Tanzil Paribahan, Metro Link, and Transsilva will coordinate services on the Duaripara-Sadarghat route, also including plans for an extension to Kanchpur under a proposed Route 16.

The Ghatarchar-Demra and Ghatarchar-Kanchpur routes will be run jointly by Ramzan, Malancha Paribahan, Midline Paribahan, and Rajnigandha Paribahan. Meanwhile, the Mirpur-12-Mawa route will be managed by Swadhin Paribahan, Bihanga Paribahan, Bikalpa Paribahan, and Shikor Paribahan.

The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP), and the city corporations have been assigned roles to support the initiative. These include identifying bus stop locations, setting up ticket counters, addressing footpath encroachments, and removing unauthorized battery-powered rickshaws along the routes. Enforcement efforts are already underway through mobile courts operating in coordination with police from October 18 to 22, intended to ensure compliance and smooth operation upon the trial’s launch.

This “One company, one route” scheme is part of a broader plan by DTCA to rationalize and streamline the city’s fragmented public transport system by assigning dedicated operators to specific routes, a strategy DTCA hopes will increase accountability, reduce overlapping services, and improve overall service quality. The initial trial focuses on a limited number of routes out of the 32 main routes and 25 circular routes identified for future implementation phases.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.