Pink bus service launched in capital: routes and fare details

To ensure safe and comfortable public transportation for women, a special "Women's Bus Service" operated by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has officially launched on the capital's streets. These pink buses, already known as "Pink Buses," are driven and managed by female drivers and conductors to create a safer and more reassuring environment for women.

The service was officially inaugurated on Tuesday (August 18) at the BRTC depot premises in Tejgaon, Dhaka. In the initial phase, a total of 14 buses have been introduced across 13 routes in Dhaka, Chattogram, and Bogura. Among these, 10 buses will operate in Dhaka, two in Chattogram, and two in Bogura.

In the capital, 10 Pink Buses will operate across 10 routes. According to BRTC's route list, key routes and stops include the Notun Bazar (Coca-Cola) to Motijheel route, passing through Notun Bazar, North Badda, Middle Badda, Merul Badda, Rampura, Abul Hotel, Malibagh, Kakrail, Paltan, and Gulistan. Another route runs from Taltola to Motijheel via Khilgaon Railgate, Basabo, Buddha Mandir, Mugda, Kamalapur Railway Station, Arambagh, Shapla Chattar, and Secretariat. The Demra Staff Quarter to GPO route covers Basher Pool, Kajla, Jatrabari, Jonopath Mor, Sayedabad, Gulistan, Paltan, and Secretariat.

Additionally, special buses have been assigned to routes including Mirpur-10, Mirpur-12, Mirpur-1, Narayanganj, Mohammadpur, Adabor, and Gazipur–Airport. Major locations across Dhaka such as Mirpur, Motijheel, Gulistan, Paltan, Shahbagh, Farmgate, Gabtoli, and Shyamoli are connected under this initiative. Out of Dhaka's 10 buses, one is single-decker and nine are double-decker.

To facilitate passenger convenience, an e-ticketing system has been introduced through a Memorandum of Understanding between BRTC and Shohoz.com, allowing female passengers to purchase tickets online before boarding. Government-set fare charts will be displayed in visible areas inside buses, depots, and counters. While specific route fares for Dhaka have not been detailed separately, fares in Chattogram range from a minimum of 10 BDT to a maximum of 68 BDT based on distance.

Safety features include female crews, Vehicle Tracking Systems (VTS) on every bus to monitor movements, and fixed stops to streamline boarding and alighting. BRTC noted that if passenger response remains positive, it plans to expand the fleet size and extend the service to other cities nationwide.