Have you ever imagined when you will get a relief from the nuisance of waiting for a bus in Dhaka—beset with hectic traffic?

Hardly could you say you did it, or you would say you never did it only because you have already become used to such a grating situation.

Whatsoever, there is a good piece of news for you! A real-time bus travel app – a new addition to the app-based public transport service in the capital— has now come in town.

The app features the location of a bus and its estimated arrival time at a stoppage, the number of its empty seats and at which stoppage seats might be available on that bus.

It will also keep the users on the move updated on traffic situations along the route they are travelling or they might travel.

The digital service is a joint initiative by Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) and Dhaka Transport Coordination Authority (DTCA).

Road Transport and Highways Division secretary Md Nazrul Islam, DTCA executive director Syed Ahmad and BRTC chairman Farid Ahmed Bhuiyan launched the app, Koto Dur, recently.

The unveiling ceremony took place at the BRTC depot in Motijheel, one of the most bustling commercial districts in the capital.

The app ‘Koto Dur’, which literally means ‘How Far’, is self-explanatory as to how it’ll serve.

Initially, it covers the BRTC air-conditioned bus commuters between Abdullahpur and Motijheel only. The service will be extended to other routes in phases, sources concerned said.

Road Transport and Highways Division secretary Md Nazrul Islam said the digitisation to restore order in the city’s chaotic public transport system will continue in future.

Technology-based transport services will be introduced on other BRTC routes and buses also as envisioned in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Digital Bangladesh.

Home-grown ICT ventures Business Automation Limited and Ideation Technology Solutions have developed the smart app, now available on the Google Play store.

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