After one and a half years away from home, my recent visit to Bangladesh in February was filled with emotions and new experiences. One of the highlights was my first-ever ride on the Dhaka Metro, from Karwan Bazar to DU Metro Station. Having spent a year in Busan using the Korean metro system, I couldn’t help but compare the two.
In Busan, the metro system is highly automated. I usually use a rechargeable transportation card like Cashbee or T-Money, which makes entering the station seamless. Ticket vending machines and digital kiosks provide English options, making it easy for foreigners like me. The entire entry process feels smooth and efficient. In Dhaka, I found the ticketing process a bit different. There were counters with staff assisting passengers, and single-journey tickets were available through machines. I noticed a prepaid card system as well, which reminded me of Busan’s method. However, the crowd at the counters was noticeably larger, and people still seemed to be adjusting to the new metro culture.
One thing I immediately noticed about Dhaka Metro was its cleanliness. Since it’s a newly launched system, the stations and trains looked fresh and well-maintained. The interior was bright, and seats were properly arranged, somewhat similar to the Busan metro. However, Busan’s metro has been around for decades, and while the trains are clean, wear and tear are visible. The seating is comfortable, and there are priority seats for the elderly and disabled, which I also saw in Dhaka’s metro. The air-conditioning in both metros was good, but Dhaka’s metro felt a bit cooler—perhaps because it was less crowded compared to Busan’s rush-hour chaos!
One of the biggest differences was the passenger experience. In Busan, people enter and exit the trains in an orderly manner. There are designated lines to board the train, and passengers wait in queues. Talking on the phone loudly is frowned upon, and most people are quietly using their phones, reading, or simply sitting. In Dhaka, I noticed a more lively atmosphere. People were excited to use the metro, chatting with one another, and some were even taking photos. The structured queue system was still developing, and at times, passengers were rushing to get in. It reminded me of the early days of Bangladesh’s railway culture, where people are still adapting to the etiquette of public transport.
The speed of Dhaka Metro impressed me. The train moved smoothly between stations with minimal stops, and the journey from Karwan Bazar to DU was quick and convenient. In comparison, Busan’s metro has a longer-established network, covering vast areas with frequent stops, so journeys can sometimes feel longer, even though the trains are fast. However, one key difference is the frequency of trains. In Busan, during peak hours, you rarely have to wait more than three to five minutes for the next train. In Dhaka, while the service is still developing, train frequency was slightly lower, but I expect it to improve over time.
Riding the Dhaka Metro for the first time was a special experience for me. It made me proud to see Bangladesh embracing modern transportation. While it’s still in its early stages, it holds great potential. On the other hand, the Busan Metro is a well-oiled system, reflecting decades of experience in urban transit. Both systems have their strengths. Busan Metro offers a structured, disciplined, and efficient ride, while Dhaka Metro is an exciting new development that will shape the future of public transport in Bangladesh. As a Bangladeshi living in Korea, experiencing both gave me a unique perspective, and I look forward to seeing how Dhaka’s metro evolves in the coming years!
After one and a half years away from home, my recent visit to Bangladesh in February was filled with emotions and new experiences. One of the highlights was my first-ever ride on the Dhaka Metro, from Karwan Bazar to DU Metro Station. Having spent a year in Busan using the Korean metro system, I couldn’t help but compare the two.
In Busan, the metro system is highly automated. I usually use a rechargeable transportation card like Cashbee or T-Money, which makes entering the station seamless. Ticket vending machines and digital kiosks provide English options, making it easy for foreigners like me. The entire entry process feels smooth and efficient. In Dhaka, I found the ticketing process a bit different. There were counters with staff assisting passengers, and single-journey tickets were available through machines. I noticed a prepaid card system as well, which reminded me of Busan’s method. However, the crowd at the counters was noticeably larger, and people still seemed to be adjusting to the new metro culture.
One thing I immediately noticed about Dhaka Metro was its cleanliness. Since it’s a newly launched system, the stations and trains looked fresh and well-maintained. The interior was bright, and seats were properly arranged, somewhat similar to the Busan metro. However, Busan’s metro has been around for decades, and while the trains are clean, wear and tear are visible. The seating is comfortable, and there are priority seats for the elderly and disabled, which I also saw in Dhaka’s metro. The air-conditioning in both metros was good, but Dhaka’s metro felt a bit cooler—perhaps because it was less crowded compared to Busan’s rush-hour chaos!
One of the biggest differences was the passenger experience. In Busan, people enter and exit the trains in an orderly manner. There are designated lines to board the train, and passengers wait in queues. Talking on the phone loudly is frowned upon, and most people are quietly using their phones, reading, or simply sitting. In Dhaka, I noticed a more lively atmosphere. People were excited to use the metro, chatting with one another, and some were even taking photos. The structured queue system was still developing, and at times, passengers were rushing to get in. It reminded me of the early days of Bangladesh’s railway culture, where people are still adapting to the etiquette of public transport.
The speed of Dhaka Metro impressed me. The train moved smoothly between stations with minimal stops, and the journey from Karwan Bazar to DU was quick and convenient. In comparison, Busan’s metro has a longer-established network, covering vast areas with frequent stops, so journeys can sometimes feel longer, even though the trains are fast. However, one key difference is the frequency of trains. In Busan, during peak hours, you rarely have to wait more than three to five minutes for the next train. In Dhaka, while the service is still developing, train frequency was slightly lower, but I expect it to improve over time.
Riding the Dhaka Metro for the first time was a special experience for me. It made me proud to see Bangladesh embracing modern transportation. While it’s still in its early stages, it holds great potential. On the other hand, the Busan Metro is a well-oiled system, reflecting decades of experience in urban transit. Both systems have their strengths. Busan Metro offers a structured, disciplined, and efficient ride, while Dhaka Metro is an exciting new development that will shape the future of public transport in Bangladesh. As a Bangladeshi living in Korea, experiencing both gave me a unique perspective, and I look forward to seeing how Dhaka’s metro evolves in the coming years!