Passengers and riders in Bangladesh are increasingly bypassing app-based ridesharing services, opting instead for on-the-spot bargaining, causing security concerns as the formal system is being neglected, complained users. Ridesharing services, introduced through mobile apps or websites, initially gained popularity due to their speed, affordability and convenience compared to public transportation. Despite the initial success, the sector is now struggling with growing dissatisfaction among both passengers and drivers. Complaints against ridesharing companies have surged, but the Bangladesh Road Transport Authority (BRTA) has been unable to act due to the absence of robust regulatory guidelines. Traffic congestion escalates in Narayanganj city due to rules violation Jubair Khan, a resident of Khilgaon, shared his frustrations, “Using apps was once hassle-free and efficient. Now, finding a rider through apps is expensive and difficult. We often have to go to main roads to find rides.” Declining Usage and Non-renewal of Licences While global ridesharing usage is on the rise, Bangladesh has witnessed a sharp decline in bike-based ride-hailing. Of the 15 registered ridesharing companies, only two—Pathao and Uber—have renewed their licences, indicating their continued dominance. Thirteen companies have failed to renew their licences, with some withdrawing from the market altogether. Globally, the ridesharing market grew from $61 billion in 2018 to $218 billion in 2025, with projections to reach $285 billion by 2030. Over 100 million people are expected to use these services within the next three years. In Bangladesh, however, drivers like Shankar have been avoiding app-based platforms. “We no longer use apps frequently as bonuses and discounts have been removed. Serving passengers on the road is easier,” he said. Economic and Operational Challenges As of January 2024, Dhaka had 4.3 million registered bike riders. However, drivers claim unregistered riders outnumber the registered ones, creating a saturated market. Full-time drivers earn between Tk30,000 and Tk50,000 per month, while part-time drivers make Tk12,000 to Tk15,000. Yet, many drivers face financial strain. Mintu Mia, an Uber driver, outlined his daily expenses: earning Tk3,500 from rides, he spends Tk3,154 on Uber commissions, fuel, platform fees, booking fees, meals, and rent, leaving him with just Tk346 in savings. Rising interest payments reflect growing dependence on loans, increasingly from foreign sources Beyond financial struggles, drivers endure physical and environmental risks daily. Proposals for Reform The Dhaka Ridesharing Drivers’ Union recently met the Labour Reform Commission to propose key reforms. According to union president Sajib Hossain, the proposals include amending the current ride-sharing policy, setting a fair fare structure, capping commission rates, eliminating platform and booking fees, and ensuring drivers are not penalised for carrying illegal items on behalf of passengers. Additional measures, such as introducing waiting and cancellation fees and forming a dedicated regulatory commission, were also recommended to protect drivers’ rights and sustain the sector. The Labour Reform Commission has proposed including drivers in the Somota pension scheme, part of the Universal Pension Scheme for low-income individuals. Under this scheme, drivers would pay Tk500 monthly, matched by the government, to secure a pension of Tk1,530 per month after 10 years. Safety Initiatives Ridesharing companies have emphasised the importance of using apps to ensure passenger safety. Apps allow users to track rides, view driver details, and report misconduct. Pathao and Uber launched a joint campaign to enhance safety standards and customer experiences. This initiative includes driver training on safety measures, document verification, and awareness programmes. Ailing VAT collection: NBR wants answers from field level offices Legal Framework The BRTA has approved 12 ridesharing companies under the Ride-sharing Service Guidelines 2017, introduced to legalise and regulate the sector. These include Pathao Limited, Uber Bangladesh Ltd, and others. While app-based ride-hailing services began in Dhaka in 2015, the cabinet approved the “Ride-sharing Service Guideline 2017” in 2019. The BRTA mandates that ride-sharing cars adhere to fare limits set under the Taxicab Service Guidelines 2010, which specify a base fare of Tk85 for the first two kilometres and Tk34 for each subsequent kilometre, with a waiting charge of Tk8.50 every two minutes. Despite these measures, the sector’s future remains uncertain as it struggles to balance passenger convenience, driver welfare, and regulatory oversight, said many users.

Commuter trains will run on short distances from tomorrow (July 25, 2024), Additional Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md Arifuzzaman said on Wednesday. “One or two commuter trains will operate from tomorrow on short distance routes. It will take time to resume operation of inter-city trains once the current situation improves,” he told UNB. Besides, network disruption also causes delay of train services as tickets are available online, he added. Read more: AP report: Bangladesh moves back to normalcy after violent clashes that killed nearly 200 people Under the circumstances, commuter trains will operate on the Dhaka-Narayanganj and Ishwardi routes while the authorities will try their level best to resume commuter trains on Dhaka-Joydebpur route, he said. The Burimari commuter train will operate from Lalmonirhat district, said the additional DG. He also said that freight trains or oil-carrying trains were operating since Monday.

Train communication on the 138.64 km Benapole-Mongla route began operations today (June 01, 2024), carrying 500 passengers on its inaugural journey. Saidur Rahman, Benapole Rail Station Master, reported that the commuter train departed for Mongla port at around 10 am, reaching Mongla via Khulna's Phultala at approximately 12:50 pm. Train services on Benapole-Mongla route set to start from June 1 The commuter train will operate daily, except on Tuesdays, according to Asim Kumar Talukdar, General Manager of the Railway Western Zone. The route includes stopovers at Navaron, Jhikargacha, Jashore Junction, Rupdia, Singia, Chengutia, Noapara, Bejerdanga, Phultala, Aronghata, Mohammadnagar, Katakhali, Chulkati Bazar, Bhaga, and Digraj stations. Train derailment in Bogura: Communication resumes after 2 hrs The new service follows a trial run that began on November 1, when a train was operated on the 138.64 km Khulna-Mongla rail tracks. After seven months of testing, the train service is now officially launched.

Starting in July, residents of Chuadanga district will have direct train access to Dhaka, reducing travel time to just five hours. The Bangladesh Railway is resuming direct rail service on the Dhaka-Darshana route, this time via the Padma Bridge, a move anticipated to greatly benefit commuters. A media release from the Railway’s Western region announced that a pair of trains will run on this route. The first train will depart Darshana for Dhaka around 7 am, arriving at noon. It will then leave Dhaka at 1 pm, reaching Darshana by 4 pm. The second train will operate from 4:30 pm to 9:40 pm and from 11:55 pm to 5 am the following morning. In addition, three trains—Chitra, Benapole, and Sundarban Express—will operate from Jashore's Rupdia or Padmabila to Dhaka via Kushtia, Mobarakganj, and Kotchandpur through the Padma Bridge. Passengers disembarking from moving trains raises safety concerns Currently, Bangladesh Railway operates local, mail, commuter, and intercity trains. Fares range from Tk 0.39 per km for local trains to Tk 1.95 per km for air-conditioned intercity trains. Abdullah Al Mamun, a Dhaka-bound passenger at Chuadanga Rail Station, expressed optimism: “The train line is divided into two parts. If these two trains start, we will benefit from the passenger-tickets, and hopefully, we will get tickets on time. Besides, it will take less time to go to Dhaka.”

The sale of advance train tickets for Eid holidaymakers will start online from June 2. The commuters have to purchase their tickets online and though mobile apps, said Director General of Bangladesh Railway Sardar Sahadat Ali while speaking at a press briefing held at the conference room of the Rail Bhaban over railways’ preparation on the occasion of Eid on Tuesday. The ticket for June 12 will be available on June 2, for June 13 on June 3, June 14 on June 4 and the tickets for June 15 and 16 will be available on June 5 and June 6 respectively. Read more: How to Buy Plane, Bus, and Train Tickets Online in Bangladesh Those sale of tickets will start at 8 am for western region and at 2 pm for the eastern region of the country, he said. Railway Minister Zillul Hakim, deputy secretary Toufique Imam and Additional Director General of Bangladesh Railway Md Arifuzzaman were present there.

Dhaka Metro Rail services resumed after nearly two hours of suspension this morning (May 27, 2024). Nazmul Islam Bhuiyan, deputy director (public relations) of the MRT Line-6 project, said the operations remained suspended due to problem in power sypply. Suspension of Metro rail service causes immense suffering to city dwellers Wishing anonymity, an official of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited, said the electric power supply for the metro rail was halted due to technical reasons. This problem occurred on Bijoy Sarani-Shewrapara line around 7:30am, he added. However, the services resumed after 9am, he said. Quader expresses discontent over NBR’s move to impose 15% VAT on Metro rail

The National Committee to Protect Shipping, Roads and Railways (NCPSRR) forecasts that around 15 million individuals are poised to exit the greater Dhaka area, including Dhaka North, Dhaka South, Gazipur, and Narayanganj city corporation areas, for the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr celebration. An estimated 60% of these holidaymakers, roughly nine million people, will opt for road travel, while the rest will utilise waterways and railways. The projection, released in a press statement by NCPSRR on Monday, sheds light on the massive seasonal migration and its implications on transportation and safety. Despite admitting potential inaccuracies due to the lack of a comprehensive database, NCPSRR's general secretary, Ashis Kumar Dey, stated that the report was compiled from a variety of sources, including research data, civic groups, and transport sector organizations. Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail operations to continue past 9 pm from today The committee has voiced concerns over the possibility of increased public suffering and accidents on the roads, similar to previous years. Nevertheless, it acknowledged the government's significant efforts to facilitate smoother Eid travel for millions. Drawing from the latest census, the report details the population distribution within the Dhaka division, noting that about 75% of the country's garment factories are in Gazipur. Workers, who predominantly reside in the Gazipur region, contribute to the large-scale exodus during Eid. Additionally, significant populations in Narayanganj and adjacent districts add to the surge of travelers seeking to return to their native places for the Eid holiday. Read more: Seasoned journalists, experts stress vital role of media in creating awareness to make roads safe again The report highlights several challenges faced by travelers, including the inadequate capacity of the road transport sector to manage the massive flow of people within a week leading up to Eid. Issues such as the poor condition of long-distance roads, over 500 risky turning points nationwide, and the manual collection of tolls exacerbating traffic congestion are identified as major obstacles to smooth travel. Despite these hurdles, the NCPSRR remains optimistic that the implementation of government measures could alleviate some of the public's difficulties on the roads during this peak travel period. The focus now shifts to ensuring that these initiatives are carried out effectively to enhance the Eid travel experience for millions. Read more: Wheels of hazard: Motorcycle safety crisis unfolding on Bangladesh’s roads

Dhaka Metro Rail compartments were seen packed with commuters this morning (November 05, 2023) as arson violence was reported across the capital amid a road, rail and waterways blockade for 48 hours called by BNP, Jamaat and like-minded opposition parties across the country. Commuters in Dhaka were boarding the train in greater numbers to go from one part of the capital to others as Agargaon-Motijheel section of Dhaka Metro Rail opened to public this morning, almost a year after the first part of the MRT Line-6 (Uttara-Agargaon) opened. The opening of the entire route is now set to reduce travel time from one part of the capital to another by more than a third, according to project officials. On any other Sunday in Dhaka, it would typically take at least an hour and a half on the road to travel from the capital’s Uttara to Farmgate. Those days seem to be over now. Read more: 48hr blockade: 27 BGB platoons deployed in Dhaka, adjoining districts

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi jointly opened the newly constructed Akhaura-Agartala Dual Gauge Railway Link Project, setting a significant milestone in cross-border connectivity. The important rail connection would contribute to boosting trade, business and tourism between the two neighbouring countries.The 12.24-km rail connection has linked Gangasagar Railway Station at Akhaura in Brahmanbaria to Nischintapur Railway Station at Agartala in India, connecting the northeastern region of India and Bangladesh. Israel must stop killing of Palestinian women and children: PM Hasina The railway link, with 6.78 km in Bangladesh’s part, was constructed under a joint venture of Bangladesh and India. The Akhaura (Bangladesh)-Agartala (India) railway line construction started in July 2018. The two prime ministers unveiled the Akhaura-Agartala cross-border rail link, joining an event from Ganabhaban in Dhaka and New Delhi through a virtual platform. We are determined to hold free and fair vote: PM Hasina tells South Asian ECs The two PMs also inaugurated two other Indian-aided projects --Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Construction Project and Unit-2 of Rampal Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant in Bagerhat. The 65-km railway from Khulna to Mongla port in Bagerhat would streamline goods transportation to the port. This railway will help transport Mongla port goods affordably within the country and support trade with India, Nepal, and Bhutan, contributing to regional economic growth. The Khulna-Mongla railway project began in September 2016. The second unit of the Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant Rampal would add 660 megawatt electricity to the national grid. The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant-2 and the 65-kilometre Khulna-Mongla Port Railway Link have been implemented under the Indian LoC (Line of Credit) while the Akhaura (Bangladesh) and Agartala (India) Railway Link with Indian grants. PM Hasina denounces Israeli attacks on Palestine, calls for ending the war The Maitree Super Thermal Power Plant, known as Rampal thermal power plant, with a total capacity of 1,320 MW in two units was implemented under a joint venture of the two neighbouring countries.

Commuters can use the Dhaka metro rail for 12 hours from 8 am to 8 pm from Wednesday (May 31, 2023). Nazmul Ahsan Bhuiya, deputy project director (DPD) of Metro Rail, said from today the metro rail will operate from 8 am to 8 pm on the Uttara-Agargaon route. As per the new schedule, Dhaka Metro Rail will not operate on Friday instead of Tuesday. Also read: Case filed against unidentified persons for pelting stones at metro rail According to the new schedule, Dhaka Metro Rail will leave the station every 10 minutes during the peak hours (from 8 am to 11 am and from 3:01 pm to 6 pm). During off-peak hours (from 11:01 am to 3 pm and from 6:01 pm to 8 pm), the metro rail will leave the station every 15 minutes. Earlier, the operating hours of Dhaka Metro Rail was 8 am to 2 pm. On December 28, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina inaugurated the country’s first elevated metro rail, setting a milestone in the communication history. Read more: Dhaka Metro Rail to run from 8am to 8pm from May 31  According to DMTCL, Dhaka Metro Rail operation till Motijheel may start by the end of 2024, and till Kamalapur by 2025. By December 2024, metro rail will start operation from Agargaon to Kamalapur with 24 trains.