Staff Correspondent: Bus route rationalization is being introduced from September 7 to reduce traffic congestion in the capital Dhaka. The decision was taken jointly by Dhaka South and North City Corporation.

Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sheikh Fazle Noor Taposh told reporters after the 17th meeting of bus route rationalization at Buriganga Hall of Nagar Bhaban on Thursday (June 24). At the time, the Mayor of the North City Corporation Atiqul Islam was also present.

Tapas said Dhaka's public transport has more than 2,000 owners. And buses run on more than 200 routes in and around Dhaka. Accidents increase when the driver of one bus collides with another bus to pick up passengers. To change this, the 20-year transport plan for Dhaka in 2004 suggested the introduction of 'bus route rationalization' or bus route franchise. The main purpose of this special system is to withdraw unusable bus from the route and introducing new bus on easy terms loan.

The mayor said the bus would run under 5-6 companies. Owners will receive dividends according to the rate of investment.

Mr. Enayet Ullah, Secretary General of Bangladesh Bus Owners Association, BRTC and officials of two city corporations were also present at the meeting.