Dhaka Set to Launch Women-Only Pink Bus Service

Dhaka is set to introduce a dedicated public bus service for women, with the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) preparing to launch its new ‘Pink Bus’ initiative. The service is intended not only to provide women with a dedicated mode of public transport but also to create opportunities for women to work directly in the transport sector.

The official launch of the ‘Women’s Bus Service Operation’ programme is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 August, at the Dhaka Truck Depot premises of the BRTC in Tejgaon. The inaugural event is due to begin at 10am.

According to a press release issued by BRTC public relations officer Mostakim Bhuiyan on Sunday evening, the initiative is being introduced as part of efforts to implement commitments outlined in the government’s election manifesto.

The buses will be painted pink and will be designated specifically for women passengers. A distinctive feature of the initiative is that women will also be involved in operating the buses. Both driving and conductor duties are expected to be undertaken by women, giving the programme a wider employment dimension beyond passenger services.

The move comes against the backdrop of longstanding concerns surrounding women’s experiences on Dhaka’s crowded public transport network. Overcrowding, limited seating, uncomfortable travelling conditions and concerns about personal safety can make daily commuting particularly challenging for many female passengers. A dedicated service could offer an alternative for women seeking a more comfortable and secure travel environment.

At the same time, employing women as drivers and conductors could help challenge the traditionally male-dominated nature of the public transport workforce. It may also demonstrate that women can take on operational responsibilities in an industry where their participation has historically been limited.

However, several practical details about the new service have yet to be made public. The BRTC announcement did not specify the number of buses that will initially operate, the routes they will follow, the fare structure or the detailed operating schedule. These factors are likely to be important in determining how accessible and useful the service becomes for women across the capital.

The inaugural ceremony will be attended by senior government and transport officials. Sheikh Robiul Alam, Minister for Road Transport and Bridges, Railways and Shipping, is scheduled to attend as the chief guest and formally inaugurate the programme.

Habibul Rashid, State Minister for Railways and the Road Transport and Highways Division, will attend as a special guest. Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque, Secretary of the Road Transport and Highways Division, is also expected to be present. The event will be chaired by Abdul Latif Molla, Chairman of the BRTC.

The decision to involve women in both passenger services and bus operations gives the initiative significance beyond the introduction of another transport route. If implemented effectively, it could provide women with employment opportunities while also encouraging greater female participation in a sector where professional roles have traditionally been dominated by men.

The service’s longer-term success, however, will depend on its day-to-day performance. Passenger demand, route selection, service frequency, operational reliability and the experiences of women using the buses will all help determine whether the initiative can develop into a sustainable part of Dhaka’s public transport system.

For a city struggling with congestion and the complex challenges of urban mobility, the Pink Bus initiative represents an attempt to address two issues at once: providing a specialised transport option for women and increasing women’s participation in public transport operations. Its effectiveness will become clearer once the service begins operating and passengers have the opportunity to assess it in everyday conditions.