BRTC today launched special women-only bus services. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 18, 2026 (BSS) - Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) today launched special women-only bus services in Dhaka, Chattogram and Bogura to ensure safe, comfortable and passenger-friendly public transport for women.

A total of 14 buses will initially operate on 13 routes in the three cities. The buses will be operated by female drivers and attendants. The service will be gradually expanded across the country, with plans to add higher-quality buses for women.

The inauguration of the women-only bus service was held today at the BRTC office in Tejgaon in the capital.

The service was inaugurated simultaneously in Chattogram and Bogura through an online connection.

The Road Transport Minister, State Minister, Secretary, Additional Secretary and senior officials from various ministries and agencies attended the ceremony.

Local public representatives and officials from the divisional and district administrations of Chattogram and Bogura joined the ceremony online.

At the inauguration ceremony, the Road Transport Minister said ensuring a safe and women-friendly transport system is part of the government's election pledge.

He said women face various uncomfortable and risky situations while travelling on public transport.

Considering these issues, he said, the special bus service has been introduced to create a safe and comfortable environment for female passengers. Women are playing an important role in the economy, from household finances to the national economy.

“Ensuring safe travel facilities is essential to utilise their capabilities for the needs of the state,” he said.

The minister said 14 buses would initially operate on 13 routes. In Dhaka, 10 buses would operate on 10 routes.

Of these, one is a single-decker bus and nine are double-decker buses. In Chattogram, two double-decker buses will operate on one route, while two double-decker buses will operate on two routes in Bogura. Both the number of buses and routes will be increased in the future, he said.

The initiative was implemented under BRTC’s 180-day action plan to fulfil that commitment. The service was inaugurated immediately after completion of the 180-day action plan.

BRTC Chairman Abdul L atif Molla said although the service had initially started with 14 buses, there are plans to operate around 106 buses for female passengers in Dhaka metropolitan area, 12 in Chattogram and 16 in Bogura in phases. This means a total of 134 buses could eventually come under the special service.

The government-fixed fares will be displayed on buses designated for women. 

An initiative has also been taken to prominently display the prescribed fares at the relevant counters. 

This will enable female passengers to easily know the fixed fares and reduce the scope for charging excess fares.

Technology is also being used to make the new service modern and safe. BRTC said route-tracking facilities have been introduced on the buses.

A Wi-Fi connection has been installed on one bus on a trial basis. 

The facility will gradually be extended to other buses. In addition, closed-circuit cameras have been installed on three buses. There are plans to install CCTV cameras on the other buses later.

The BRTC official said the number of buses designated for women would also be increased when new buses are added to the corporation’s fleet. 

At the same time, there are plans to introduce new buses equipped with advanced technology.

The BRTC chairman said initiatives have been taken to bring in higher-quality buses for women. For this purpose, the government has allocated Taka 400 crore for procuring 100 women-only buses and another Taka 400 crore for introducing electric buses in city services. 

He said the government’s responsibility would not end simply with launching the buses. 

The quality of the service introduced for female passengers must be improved continuously. 

Often, various government initiatives lose effectiveness within a few months of their inauguration.

“This will not be allowed to happen in the case of the women’s bus service,” he said. BRTC and the concerned officials have been instructed to improve the quality of the service every day, he added.

At the ceremony, BRTC officials said the government’s election manifesto had pledged to introduce a special bus service exclusively for women, operated by female drivers and female attendants, to ensure women’s round-the-clock mobility.