The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) has taken a significant step toward transforming the capital’s public transportation system into a fully smart and technology-driven network. As part of this initiative, commuters will soon be able to travel on the metro rail using their bank-issued debit and credit cards, similar to the existing Rapid Pass system.
To move the plan forward, DTCA has scheduled a crucial coordination meeting on December 10, 2025, inviting representatives from 62 banks across the country. The objective of the meeting is to build consensus among financial institutions and establish a unified smart payment framework for public transport.
According to DTCA officials, the long-term vision is to upgrade the Rapid Pass into a multi-purpose universal smart card. Beyond metro rail and buses, the card could later be expanded to support financial services, utility bill payments, e-banking transactions, and other digital services. In line with this vision, banks are showing growing interest in incorporating dual-interface technology—combining EMV chip and NFC features—into their issued cards.
This technology would allow passengers to simply tap their cards at metro gates, eliminating the need for separate travel cards or paper tickets and significantly reducing congestion during peak hours.
📊 Banks Expressing Interest in the Initiative
| Bank Name | Current Status |
|---|---|
| Islami Bank Bangladesh | Expressed Interest |
| Sonali Bank | Expressed Interest |
| Eastern Bank Limited | Expressed Interest |
| ONE Bank | Expressed Interest |
| City Bank | Expressed Interest |
| Trust Bank | Expressed Interest |
DTCA has clarified that no additional infrastructure will be required at metro stations to implement this system, making the transition both cost-effective and efficient. DTCA Executive Director Nilima Akhter stated that the ultimate goal is to ensure seamless acceptance of all bank-issued cards across the metro rail network.
At present, more than 1.3 million Rapid Pass cards are actively in use. With five additional MRT lines planned for the future, demand for smart fare payment solutions is expected to rise sharply. However, progress on full NFC integration has faced challenges due to the suspension of the second phase of the Clearing House Project.
Despite these obstacles, DTCA continues to independently operate online recharge services and card update mechanisms, ensuring uninterrupted service for commuters. Officials believe that once the banking sector fully integrates with the transport system, Dhaka’s metro rail will stand as a model of smart urban mobility in South Asia.