The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) is progressing with its plan to link debit and credit cards with the Rapid Pass system, aiming to make metro rail ticketing more convenient and technologically advanced. With this integration, passengers will be able to use their regular bank cards for metro access, reducing the need for separate transit cards.
Officials said that the government intends to transform the Rapid Pass into a multi-purpose smart card that could support not only transport but also financial services in the future. Discussions are ongoing with banks regarding the use of Sony Felica chips to make dual-interface cards compatible with the Rapid Pass system.
A table of benefits of integrating bank cards with the Rapid Pass is included below:
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Unified ticketing | Minimises need for separate cards |
| Cost reduction | Reduces government expenditure on Rapid Pass cards |
| Technological advancement | Dual-interface capabilities |
| Wider acceptance | Compatibility across bank-issued cards |
Banks such as Islami Bank, Sonali Bank, Eastern Bank Limited, One Bank, City Bank and Trust Bank have already shown interest. However, NFC features cannot be activated because the second phase of the Clearing House Project was not extended. DTCA has nevertheless continued online recharge services using its own resources.
While the Rapid Pass was first launched in 2018, its usage increased significantly after the start of MRT Line-6 in 2023. With five new MRT lines planned, demand for the card is expected to rise sharply.
Khaborwala/ASN
