Dhaka’s traffic congestion is a pressing urban issue, affecting productivity, public health, and economic growth.
With a population density among the highest in the world and a chaotic road system, the city struggles with immense delays, high accident rates, and severe pollution.
To address these issues, bus route rationalisation (BRR) has been proposed as a promising solution to streamline public transport and reduce congestion.
Traffic congestion in Dhaka results in severe productivity losses and economic costs.
Commuters lose approximately 3.2 million working hours daily to traffic jams.
Trips that should take 30 minutes often stretch to 1.5–2 hours during peak hours, reducing time for productive work and personal life.
These delays translate into an annual economic loss estimated at $3-4 billion due to decreased productivity, higher fuel consumption, and health-related expenses.
In addition to lost hours and economic drain, traffic congestion has also heightened public health and safety concerns.
Disorganised bus system contributes significantly to road accidents, with Dhaka recording approximately 85 accidents per 10,000 vehicles.
In 2023 alone, over 2,500 fatalities were recorded, many involving buses operating recklessly to compete for passengers.
Dhaka ranks among the world’s most polluted cities, with vehicular emissions responsible for 60-70% of the urban air pollution.
Prolonged congestion worsens air quality, leading to rising cases of respiratory and heart diseases, mental stress, and an overall decline in quality of life.
BRR initiative offers a structured approach to addressing these challenges by organising bus routes into a systematic network that reduces overlapping routes and inefficiency.
Streamling networks with fewer duplicate routes can cut down the number of buses on congested roads, improving traffic flow.
A more reliable, frequent, and safe bus system can encourage people to switch from private vehicles to public transport, reducing congestion.
By optimising bus routes, the same number of passengers can be transported with fewer buses, helping reduce traffic volume.
Regulated routes and designated stops can lower accident rates, and reduced congestion could improve air quality.
But for BRR to succeed, few measures are essential.
A governing authority like the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) should enforce fare standards, scheduling, and route adherence.
Coordinating bus routes with other options like the metro rail and water taxis, along with a single ticketing system, would increase convenience for commuters.
Establishing dedicated bus lanes and proper bus stops would improve traffic flow and encourage more people to use buses.
Public has to be educated on the benefits of using public transport and offering incentives could promote widespread adoption.
Implementing a well-regulated bus system would not only reduce traffic congestion but also help Dhaka tackle its environmental and public health challenges, ultimately supporting economic and social well-being in the city.
A digital traffic management system to control signal timings and bus tracking can help reduce traffic jams, improve bus punctuality, and allow commuters to better plan their trips.
Tracking usage, delays, and feedback allows continuous improvement in the route network, enabling authorities to adjust to real-time needs.
Existing bus operators might resist route rationalisation due to fear of lost revenue.
Strict, unbiased enforcement is essential to prevent buses from straying from designated routes.
Implementing dedicated lanes, digital systems, and modern bus stops requires significant investment and political will.
With a well-regulated, efficient, and safe bus network, the city can not only reduce traffic congestion but also contribute to a more sustainable urban environment.
