The government is poised to diversify income sources and increase earnings beyond ticket sales as the country's metro train network grows. Although tickets continue to be the primary source of money, several creative approaches can generate additional revenue and guarantee the metro train system's long-term viability while improving its service offerings.
Sponsorship and advertising in metro trains and stations are the most profitable ways to make money. The government can generate significant revenue by renting out advertising space to firms and brands, giving them access to commuters. Additionally, forming strategic alliances with corporate sponsors can result in new sources of income. Sponsors may finance service expansions or infrastructure improvements in exchange for branding possibilities.
Another potential source of income is the strategic real estate development surrounding metro stations. The government can profit from excellent real estate opportunities close to metro rail stations by taking advantage of the increased foot traffic and accessibility these facilities provide. Retail establishments, office buildings, and residential complexes are examples of mixed-use developments that produce rental income and promote a neighbourhood's economic growth and urban renewal.
The government may look into selling corporate sponsors the naming rights to metro stations. It can create a reliable source of revenue by naming a station after a sponsor and providing sponsors with significant exposure to commuters. This mutually advantageous agreement makes money and improves the traveller experience by making station identification and wayfinding easier.
Incorporating value-added extras like stalls, retail stores, and vending machines into metro stations can generate supplementary income streams while improving the traveller experience. The government can earn revenue while providing passengers with comfortable facilities during their trip by collaborating with vendors and service providers to collect lease fees and revenue-sharing agreements.
There are several ways for the government of Bangladesh to make more money from the metro rail system than just selling tickets. It can ask sponsors to bear maintenance costs for some of the facilities in exchange for the use of the companies' logos or other identification marks. Unlocking the full economic potential of Bangladesh's metro rail system would depend on investigating creative revenue-generating initiatives as the country makes further investments in its transportation infrastructure.
Tabussum Aktar Mim
Student, BBA
North South University
tabussum.mim@northsouth.edu