Selimur Rahman:
Dhaka Metro Rail passengers will soon have access to an affordable first- and last-mile transportation option as app-based bicycle-sharing platform JoBike has signed an agreement with Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) to launch bicycle-sharing services at stations along MRT Line-6.
The agreement was formally signed on August 6 after JoBike was awarded the contract through an open tender process conducted by DMTCL.
Under the initial phase, JoBike will launch a six-month pilot project at Uttara North, Uttara Center and Uttara South metro stations, deploying between 150 and 300 pedal bicycles. The number of bicycle parking hubs will gradually be increased based on passenger demand.
If the pilot project proves successful, the service will be expanded to other stations along MRT Line-6.
Residents of the Uttara RAJUK Apartment Project (RUAP) and Uttara Rupayan City, employees of the metro depot, and students of Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, World University of Bangladesh (WUB) and BGMEA University of Fashion & Technology (BUFT) are expected to benefit directly from the initiative.
The service has been designed to be simple and user-friendly. Passengers can unlock a bicycle by scanning a QR code through the JoBike app at designated parking areas inside or near metro stations. After reaching their destination, users can leave the bicycle at any designated JoBike parking location.
The fare has been set at Tk 2 as an unlocking fee and Tk 1 per minute for each ride.
JoBike founder and Chief Executive Officer Mehedi Reza said nearly four lakh people use the metro rail every day, creating significant demand for convenient transportation between stations and final destinations.
“After leaving the metro station, passengers have had limited options beyond rickshaws for first- and last-mile connectivity. JoBike can provide a healthy, convenient and affordable alternative,” he said.
He added that using bicycles could also help reduce carbon emissions and allow passengers to contribute directly to efforts to address climate change.
Highlighting the long-term needs of Dhaka’s urban transport system, Mehedi Reza called for greater government support to develop dedicated bicycle lanes across the city.
“Dhaka still does not have enough dedicated cycling infrastructure. Alongside building a bicycle-friendly city, dedicated cycle lanes can play an important role in addressing major challenges such as traffic congestion and environmental pollution,” he said.
The agreement also marks a significant comeback for JoBike. The company started its journey in Cox’s Bazar in 2018 as an environment-friendly smart ride-sharing platform. Its operations were temporarily suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic.
After overcoming various challenges, JoBike resumed operations in June this year by launching an e-bike service at the University of Chittagong campus. The company is now expanding its operations by becoming part of Dhaka’s metro rail transportation ecosystem.
Officials from DMTCL present at the signing ceremony included General Manager Nasir Uddin Ahmed Chowdhury, Marketing Manager Md. Osman Gani and Assistant Manager Rakibul Hasan.
Representing JoBike were founder and CEO Mehedi Reza, Business Director Sharif Khan, Head of Operations Shah Newaz and other officials.
