The metro rail authorities have introduced a new rule under which passengers will be charged Tk100 if they enter a station but leave without taking a ride.
Previously, passengers could exit within five minutes of entering without paying any fare. The new policy, effective from Monday, has scrapped that exemption.
Notices regarding the new rule have been displayed at several metro stations. A notice was seen at Karwan Bazar station on Tuesday evening.
The move has sparked dissatisfaction among many passengers, who say the Tk100 entry-exit fee is excessive and lacks justification. They described the rule as unnecessary and inconvenient.
According to a source, free entry and exit inside stations will no longer be allowed.
Dhaka Mass Transit Company Limited (DMTCL) Managing Director Faruque Ahmed told the media he was not aware of the rule but said the authorities are prioritising metro security.
The DMTCL notice reads, “Passengers are hereby informed that free entry and exit at the same station are no longer permitted. Tk100 will be charged for entering and exiting from the same station. — By order of DMTCL authorities.”
Many passengers have voiced frustration over the policy. On the Facebook group Dhaka Metro Rail Helpline, users have criticised the decision, saying the rule could be unfair to passengers who need to exit urgently or due to illness.
Others suggested that if the rule aims to prevent fare evasion, a minimal charge would be more reasonable.
