Govt to buy 200 EV buses for Dhaka, 100 for women: Minister

The government is taking steps to purchase 200 electric buses for Dhaka’s public transport system, with 100 planned for women-only services on different routes, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam said on Tuesday.

He made the remarks at the inauguration of the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation’s (BRTC) ‘Women’s Bus Service (Pink Bus)’ programme in Tejgaon.

The minister said the buses would be purchased through a direct procurement process to avoid the lengthy international tendering process, which could take at least 18 months.

He said electric buses were essential to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and build an environmentally friendly transport system in the capital. The buses would also support the government’s plan to establish a multimodal transport network in Dhaka.

Of the 200 EV buses, 100 would be allocated to women’s services on different routes. The government also plans to expand women-friendly bus services beyond the districts where such services are currently being introduced.

The minister said 14 buses were planned for women’s services on 13 routes. Of these, 10 buses would operate on 10 routes in Dhaka, while two double-decker buses would run on one route in Chattogram and two more on two routes in Bogura.

Sheikh Rabiul Alam said ensuring women’s safety should not be limited to their time on buses but should also cover waiting areas and boarding and disembarking.

He urged authorities to ensure that the new women’s bus service remains sustainable and does not stop after a few months, as has happened with some previous initiatives.

SKS