Dhaka's metro rail and public transport passengers can now recharge their MRT and Rapid Pass cards online, following the launch of a remote top-up system aimed at reducing queues and easing travel.
The online recharge service was inaugurated this morning (25 November) at Agargaon Metro Station by Sheikh Moinuddin, special assistant to the chief adviser for the Road Transport and Bridges Ministry.
Under the new system, users must register on the designated website before recharging a minimum of Tk100 and a maximum of Tk5,000 per transaction.
Customers must pay a 0.83% fee for each recharge.
To activate the balance, users must tap their card once on an Add Value Machine (AVM) installed at metro stations.
A total of 32 AVMs have been installed across 16 stations to verify and update online recharges.
Recharges can be cancelled within seven days, subject to a 5% deduction.
Sheikh Moinuddin said Bangladesh must reduce its technological gap with developed countries.
"We aim to make it possible for a single card to cover metro rail, public transport and other travel expenses. We are considering a system where toll payments can also be made using the same card," he said.
He also urged the public to embrace digital transport services.
Nilima Akhter, executive director of the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA), said the new system would reduce inconvenience caused by queues.
"We have nearly 16 lakh unused cards lying around. Recharging can be done from anywhere. If a user misses a tap [at exit], they will not be able to exit the station. That card will be blacklisted," she said.
Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation Chairman Abdul Latif Molla said the benefits of the system depend on public awareness.
He said passenger services cannot improve without upgrading transport facilities and called for stronger links between bus and metro networks.
Khairul Alam, director (administration) of Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL), said 32 AVMs have been installed, but the number remains insufficient.
"We are trying to increase the number. At the same time, the officials at the metro rail stations are being trained on this matter," he said.
How to recharge online
The two permanent cards currently used in the metro rail system, the Rapid Pass and the MRT Pass, can both be recharged online via banking channels under the new system.
Users must first register on the www.rapidpass.com.bd website or app.
If a Rapid Pass card is not already registered, it must be added to the system before recharging.
Payments can be made using any available online banking method.
After recharging, users must tap their card on an AVM at a station to update the balance.
Until the tap is completed, the transaction will remain marked as "pending".
Once updated, an SMS confirmation will be sent to the registered mobile number.
Each recharge must be between Tk100 and Tk5,000, and only one pending recharge is allowed at a time.
If a card is not tapped on an AVM within a set number of days after recharging, the unused amount will be returned to the customer's bank account after applying for it.
Recharge is not possible if the card is blacklisted, refunded or invalid. Users can view their recharge history through the app or web portal.
If an MRT Pass is blacklisted, it becomes unusable. As new MRT passes are currently unavailable, users must keep their blacklisted cards. Once new cards are issued, users will be able to have their existing cards repaired at the station.
If an MRT Pass is blacklisted after recharging but before it is used, the balance will be refunded after 30 days through an online application. A 5% charge will be deducted.
If a Rapid Pass is blacklisted, the user must visit a designated sales point or contact customer care.
Recharge cancellation
Users may request cancellation within seven days, provided the card has not been tapped on an AVM. A 5% service charge will be deducted.
Refunds may also be requested if a pending recharge cannot be updated because the card is blacklisted. A 5% deduction applies in this case as well.
According to DMTCL data, around 55% of metro rail passengers currently use MRT or Rapid Pass cards, while 45% use single-journey cards.
DMTCL is responsible for constructing and operating the metro rail, and its permanent travel card is the MRT Pass.
The Rapid Pass, issued by the DTCA, is intended for use across buses, trains and other public transport.
DTCA also operates the clearing house for card transactions. Private firm Datasof is supporting the online recharge system.