The Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) has taken an initiative to integrate bank-issued debit and credit cards with the Rapid Pass system as part of efforts to modernise urban mobility. Once implemented, metro rail passengers will be able to use their regular bank cards for station entry, eliminating the need for a separate transit card and making travel more convenient.
Officials stated that the government’s long-term goal is to transform the Rapid Pass into an all-purpose smart card that could eventually support transport services as well as broader financial transactions. Several banks have already expressed interest in issuing dual-interface cards, raising hope that universal card acceptance in metro rail may become a reality.
An official explained that since the Rapid Pass is intended to become an all-purpose card, integrating bank cards will help ease this transition. He also said that banks are willing to procure Sony Felica chips, used in the Rapid Pass, for issuing chip-based debit and credit cards. Decisions will be taken following a meeting to be organised by DTCA.
Earlier, Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) attempted to introduce universal ticketing through an open tender, but the initiative failed to attract enough interest from companies. According to DTCA, banks such as Islami Bank, Sonali Bank, Eastern Bank Limited, One Bank, City Bank and Trust Bank have already shown interest.
Authorities mentioned that no additional investment will be required at metro stations for this system. DTCA Executive Director Neelima Akter said the agency expects all banks to adopt the system so that future debit and credit cards can be used seamlessly across the metro network.
The government currently spends several million taka on procuring Rapid Pass cards. With five more mass rapid transit lines planned, demand is expected to rise further, making bank card integration economically beneficial.
DTCA has invited all 62 banks in the country to a meeting scheduled for 10 December 2025. Although the Rapid Pass was introduced in 2018, its popularity surged after the opening of MRT Line-6 in 2023.
Features like NFC have not yet been activated because the second phase of the Clearing House Project was not extended by the interim government. Officials said that online recharge and dual-interface features are being developed using DTCA’s own capacity, but mobile ticketing and other advanced functions will require support from software companies.