BRTC launches women-only bus service across Dhaka and two intercity routes

The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) has launched a dedicated women-only bus service, with women drivers and conductors operating the vehicles across Dhaka and two intercity routes.

The service initially includes 14 buses. Ten will operate on routes within Dhaka, while two will run between Dhaka and Bogra and another two between Dhaka and Chittagong, according to BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla.

The initiative is intended to provide women with an additional public transport option while increasing women’s participation in a sector traditionally dominated by men.

For BRTC driver Mst Rabeya Khatun, the initiative addresses a concern she has experienced personally. She said overcrowding and inappropriate physical contact on mixed-gender public transport can make journeys difficult for women.

Around 16 women have undergone training for the programme, according to Rabeya. Two supervisors are planned for each bus, although staffing arrangements could change.

The buses have been given a distinctive pink colour, while the women drivers will also wear pink uniforms. The service will be operated by women, including the drivers and conductors.

BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla said women’s empowerment was a central objective of the initiative and confirmed the initial deployment of 14 buses across the three routes.

The launch extends the women-only transport concept beyond Dhaka through the inclusion of the Bogra and Chittagong routes. The performance of the service will depend on factors including punctuality, accessibility, reliability and passenger demand.

While women-only buses can provide an additional option for female passengers, broader measures will still be necessary to address harassment and safety concerns across Bangladesh’s wider public transport network.

Image Alt: BRTC pink women-only buses prepared for service in Bangladesh

Caption: BRTC has launched a women-only bus service with female drivers and conductors across Dhaka, Bogra and Chittagong routes.

Tags: BRTC, women-only bus service, Bangladesh public transport, women drivers, women empowerment, Dhaka buses, Dhaka Bogra bus, Dhaka Chittagong bus, women safety, public transport Bangladesh, Bangladesh transport