Commuters in the capital have reached a significant milestone in digital convenience following the official launch of a dedicated mobile application for Rapid Pass and MRT Pass recharging. The service was inaugurated on Monday, 12 January 2026, by Sheikh Mohiuddin, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser for the Ministry of Road Transport and Bridges. The ceremony, held at the Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA) headquarters in Tejgaon, marks a pivotal shift towards a more sophisticated, “Smart Bangladesh” transport ecosystem.
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Streamlining the Commuter Experience
The primary objective of the new Rapid Pass App is to alleviate the persistent congestion at station ticket counters. By transitioning the top-up process to a digital platform, the DTCA has empowered passengers to manage their travel funds from the palm of their hand.
Beyond simple financial transactions, the app leverages Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. This allows users with compatible Android smartphones to check their real-time balance simply by touching their card to the back of their device. The app also maintains a comprehensive transaction log, enabling users to monitor their travel expenditure and recharge history with transparency.
Procedural Guide and Transaction Limits
To ensure a smooth transition to digital topping-up, the DTCA has outlined specific parameters for the new service:
| Category | Specification / Instruction |
| Transaction Limits | Minimum 100 BDT; Maximum 5,000 BDT |
| Compatible Passes | Rapid Pass and MRT Line-6 Smart Cards |
| Registration | One-time sign-up via Google Play Store app |
| Payment Gateways | bKash, Rocket, Visa, Mastercard, and AMEX |
| Validation Step | Must tap card at an Add Value Machine (AVM) |
| Refunds | 7-day window for pending recharges (5% fee) |
The Digital Top-Up Protocol
The process of adding funds via the mobile application is designed to be intuitive, though it requires a final physical step to synchronise the data:
Initial Setup: Users can download the app from the Google Play Store. Those with existing accounts on the Rapid Pass website may log in using their current credentials.
Card Linkage: Once logged in, any cards previously associated with the user’s mobile number will appear automatically. New cards can be registered instantly within the interface.
Digital Payment: After selecting the top-up amount, users are redirected to a secure payment gateway offering several domestic and international options.
Physical Synchronisation: To reflect the new balance on the physical card’s chip, the passenger must visit any Metro Rail station and tap their card at an Add Value Machine (AVM).
Notification: A confirmation SMS is dispatched to the user’s registered mobile number upon the successful completion of the cycle.
A Universal Vision for Transport
During the launch, Dr Md. Mashiur Rahman, Executive Director of the DTCA, emphasised that the app is merely the first phase of a broader integration. The ultimate goal is to establish the Rapid Pass as a “universal card,” eventually accepted across state-run buses, ferries, and all future MRT lines. This initiative follows the preliminary web-based recharge trial launched at Agargaon station in late 2025, effectively bringing the digital infrastructure into the hands of the general public.