Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has launched the “Pink Bus Service”, a dedicated transport facility for women to ensure safe and comfortable public transport for women.
The service started with two buses, operated by female drivers and assistants. The buses will run from the Kalurghat Betar Kendra area through Free Port to Patenga, with women passengers able to board and get off at 12 designated stops along the route.
The service was inaugurated around 12pm on Tuesday at the Kalurghat Betar Kendra area by releasing balloons. The specialised transport service was also launched in Dhaka and Bogura on the same day.
Chattogram lawmaker Ershad Ullah attended the inauguration as the chief guest. He said the initiative was part of the government’s election commitment to create safe and comfortable transport facilities for women.
“Through this initiative, the government is implementing its commitment to ensure safe and comfortable travel for women,” he said, thanking the Prime Minister on behalf of Chattogram.
Ershad Ullah said he hoped the service would fulfil the government’s objective of providing women with a secure transport option.
12 stops on route
The two buses will operate from Kalurghat Betar Kendra to Patenga via Free Port. Twelve designated stops have been set up at important locations along the route, allowing women passengers to board and get off at fixed points.
According to BRTC sources, the route is around 22km to 25km long. The fare has been fixed between Tk10 and Tk68 depending on the distance.
The minimum fare from Kalurghat to Kaptai Rastar Matha is Tk10, while the maximum fare for the full route from Kalurghat or Kaptai Rastar Matha to Patenga is Tk68.
Women behind the wheel
A key feature of the service is that the drivers and assistants operating the buses are also women. The initiative has created new opportunities for women’s participation in the transport sector.
A female driver said she was proud to work in a service involving female drivers, assistants and passengers.
“Being able to take everyone safely to their destinations is the greatest joy for me,” she said.
The female assistants also expressed confidence in serving passengers. Officials said the initiative would not only ensure safer travel for women but also expand employment opportunities for women in the transport sector.
Passengers welcome safety
Every day, a large number of women, including students and working professionals, use public transport in Chattogram. However, overcrowding, shortage of seats and different forms of harassment often create uncomfortable situations for them.
Passengers have long complained of eve-teasing, unwanted physical contact and discrimination while boarding buses.
Women passengers expressed relief on the launch day. A passenger said women often face harassment while travelling on regular buses, but having female drivers, assistants and passengers created a stronger sense of security.
She said women had needed a separate bus service for a long time and hoped the initiative would make their daily commute more comfortable.
Expansion planned
Chattogram Divisional Commissioner Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Jahidul Islam Miah, Chattogram Range DIG Abdul Kuddus Chowdhury, Chattogram District Police Superintendent Masud Alam, BRTA Chattogram Division Director Masud Alam and BRTC officials attended the inauguration.
Officials said the service was initially launched with two buses and its performance and passenger demand would be monitored. Depending on the response, the number of buses and the service area may be expanded in the future.
They expressed hope that the dedicated transport service would improve safety and comfort for women using public transport in Chattogram while increasing women’s participation in the transport sector through the recruitment of female drivers and assistants.
