Dhaka, Aug 19 (V7N)- Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has launched a special women’s bus service in the capital to provide safer and more comfortable travel for female passengers.
The service, popularly known as the ‘pink bus’, began operating on various routes from Wednesday (August 19) morning.
According to BRTC, 10 buses are initially being used for the service, including one single-decker and nine double-decker buses. The buses are operating on several important routes in Dhaka.
The routes include Notunbazar-Motijheel, Taltala-Motijheel, Demra-GPO, Mirpur-10-Motijheel, Mirpur-12-Motijheel, Mohammadpur-Motijheel and Abdullahpur-Motijheel. The service also covers the Gazipur-Airport route.
The buses will operate in two shifts. They will leave designated stops at around 8:40am, while buses will begin departures from the Motijheel bus depot toward various destinations at around 5:20pm.
BRTC introduced the service primarily to improve safety and convenience for women passengers.
Rabeya Sultana, one of the drivers of the pink buses, said her experience on the first day was positive. A female conductor is also working on the bus.
The conductor said passengers experienced both conveniences and some difficulties during the initial operation. She noted that the journey took longer in some cases because the driver was still gaining experience with the service.
Despite the challenges, the women working on the buses said they are willing to continue the service and take on the responsibility.
Female passengers also expressed satisfaction with the increased comfort and sense of security provided by the dedicated service, although some pointed out difficulties they encountered on the first day.
BRTC officials hope the initiative will make public transport more accessible and safer for women in the capital.
END/SMA/AJ
