Metro Rail plans new initiatives to boost revenue and services
1-Click Audio Report (Universal Voice)
Dhaka Metro Rail authorities are taking various initiatives to boost non-fare revenue. Apart from ticket sales, they plan to generate income through station shops, ATM booths, and digital advertisements, which will also improve passenger convenience.
- Dhaka Metro Rail aims to generate extra income from non-fare sources like shops and ads.
- Stations will feature ATM booths, food stalls, and digital display advertisements.
- The additional revenue will help manage operational costs and keep ticket prices stable.
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Dhaka Metro Rail has become the preferred choice for commuters looking to avoid the city's traffic congestion. However, relying solely on ticket sales is not enough to cover the massive operational costs. To address this, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) is launching several initiatives to boost revenue by utilizing station spaces while enhancing passenger services.
According to DMTCL, plans are underway to set up ATM booths, convenience stores, and food stalls at various stations. Additionally, digital screens will be installed inside and outside the stations for commercial advertisements. These facilities are being rolled out across the 16 stations from Uttara to Motijheel, making daily essentials easily accessible to commuters.
Metro rail officials stated that like other modern transit systems worldwide, Dhaka Metro Rail needs to diversify its income. The government aims to generate at least 30 percent of its total revenue from non-fare sources. Commuters have welcomed the move, noting that having essential services and food outlets at stations will make their journeys much more convenient.
Looking ahead, there are plans to build large commercial plazas near major metro stations. These developments are expected to bring in significant rental income. The additional revenue will help offset maintenance costs, ensuring that ticket prices remain affordable for the general public in the long run.
“Relying solely on passenger fares is unsustainable for a mega project like the Metro Rail. Globally, successful transit networks generate a significant portion of their revenue from commercial hubs at stations. DMTCL's move to diversify income sources is timely and necessary. While this will ensure financial sustainability and enhance passenger convenience, authorities must ensure that commercial spaces do not obstruct passenger movement or compromise safety.”
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