Dhaka’s ambitious Metro Rail service, connecting Uttara to Motijheel, has significantly impacted the traditional public transport ecosystem, especially affecting bus services on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route. The introduction of this modern transit option has led to a sharp decline in bus ridership, with operators reporting a 30-40% reduction in the number of buses on this route. Transport proprietors are bracing for a further decline in bus numbers as the warmer months approach, predicting that the allure of the metro’s air-conditioned comfort will draw even more commuters away from buses. The diminished appeal of buses, once a staple for Dhaka’s commuters, is particularly noticeable during peak metro operational hours, despite an observable decrease in traffic congestion. Read more: Quader provides update on Metro Rail extension till Tongi The potential extension of metro rail service hours beyond the current 7:10 am to 8:40 pm timeframe threatens to exacerbate the financial strain on bus operations, prompting owners to consider rerouting their fleets or selling them off. “From a daily tally of 500-600 buses, we’ve plummeted to just 300-400 buses on the Mirpur-Agargaon-Farmgate-Paltan route,” stated Md Shahjahan, Managing Director of Shikhor Paribahan, highlighting the scale of the downturn.

Pathao has brought down its commission on bike rides to allow riders to earn up to 90 percent of the trip fare. Effective November 25, Pathao will be taking 10 percent of the bike ride fare during peak hours (8 AM to 11 AM and 5 PM to 8 PM) and up to 15 percent during the off-peak hours. This is the lowest rate of commission charged by any platform in Bangladesh, according to a press release. Read:Pathao introduces 'Pay Later' Previously, Pathao charged 15 percent as commission on two-wheel rides in Dhaka and 25 percent in Chattogram and Sylhet. The new commission structure is applicable nationwide. This change will contribute to making the bike ride-sharing service even more reliable for users, especially during peak hours, as they will now enjoy the greater availability of riders looking to maximise their earnings. CEO and managing director of Pathao  Fahim Ahmed said Pathao has created opportunities for the aspiring riders to earn more and improve their lives. Read: Pathao users can pay fares through bKash “With this commission cut, we wanted to recognise the largest and most loyal pool of riders at Pathao, who are ensuring a safe and reliable experience for our users," he said.