A special pink bus service for women is being launched in Dhaka from today (Tuesday, August 18), with the aim of making public transport safer and more comfortable for female passengers.
The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) is introducing the service under a government initiative. Both drivers and conductors of the pink buses will be women.
The information was confirmed in a press release issued by BRTC Public Relations Officer Mostakim Bhuiyan.
Initially, 10 pink buses will operate on major routes across Dhaka. Two buses will also run on a route in Bogura and another two in Chattogram. BRTC has said four more buses are expected to be added to the service.
Dhaka routes
1. Notun Bazar-Motijheel
The bus will run from Notun Bazar through Coca-Cola, North Badda, Middle Badda, Merul Badda, Rampura, Abul Hotel, Malibagh, Kakrail, Paltan and Gulistan before reaching Motijheel.
2. Taltola-Motijheel
The route will cover Taltola, Khilgaon Railgate, Basabo, Buddhist Temple, Mugda, Kamalapur Railway Station, Arambagh, Shapla Chattar and the Secretariat before ending at Motijheel.
3. Demra Staff Quarter-GPO
The bus will travel via Demra Staff Quarter, Bansher Pul, Kajla, Jatrabari, Janapath Mor, Gulistan, Paltan, the Secretariat and Matsya Bhaban before reaching the GPO.
4. Mirpur-10-Motijheel
The service will run from Mirpur-10 through Technical, Kallyanpur, Shyamoli, Asad Gate, Kalabagan, Shahbagh and Paltan to Motijheel.
5. Mirpur-12-Motijheel
The route will cover Mirpur-12, Mirpur-10, Mirpur-1, Technical, Shyamoli, Farmgate, Shahbagh and Gulistan before reaching Motijheel.
6. Mirpur-1 to Motijheel
Another service will run from Mirpur-12 through Mirpur-11, Mirpur-10, Kazipara, Shewrapara, Farmgate, Shahbagh, Press Club and Gulistan to Motijheel.
7. Mohammadpur-Motijheel
The bus will travel through Mohammadpur, Shankar, Dhanmondi-15, City College, New Market, Elephant Road, Shahbagh and Paltan before reaching Motijheel.
8. Abdullahpur-Motijheel
The route will cover Abdullahpur, Airport, Khilkhet, Bishwaroad, Kuril, Banani, Mohakhali, Farmgate, Shahbagh, Press Club and Gulistan before reaching Motijheel.
9. Gazipur-Airport
The bus will run from Gazipur through Shivbari, Gazipur Chowrasta, Maleker Bari, Board Bazar, Gazipura, College Gate, Station Road, Abdullahpur and Ashpur to the airport.
10. Mirpur-Motijheel
An additional bus is also scheduled to operate on the Mirpur–Motijheel corridor during the initial phase.
Pink buses outside Dhaka
The service will also be available outside the capital. Two pink buses will operate on the Sherpur-Matidali route in Bogura, while two others will run between Kalurghat and Patenga in Chattogram.
In Chattogram, the buses will pass through Kalurghat, Kaptai Rastar Matha, Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, 2 No. Gate, GEC Mor and Lalkhan Bazar before reaching Patenga.
BRTC expects the women-only service to improve safety and comfort for female passengers using public transport.
The initiative is also expected to create more employment opportunities for women as drivers and conductors and encourage greater participation of women in the transport sector.
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