The Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation’s (BRTC) newly launched Pink Bus service for women will not remain limited to its formal inauguration. The service will gradually be expanded by increasing the number of routes and buses and extending it to more divisions across the country, Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam has said.

He said the initiative would be developed into a passenger-friendly and sustainable transport service dedicated to women.

Sheikh Robiul Alam made the remarks on Tuesday (August 18) while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the BRTC’s ‘Women’s Bus Service’ at the BRTC Dhaka Truck Depot in Tejgaon, Dhaka.

The road transport minister said the government had pledged to establish a women-operated and women-friendly public transport system. In line with that goal, 14 special buses have been introduced on 13 routes in three cities.

Of these, 10 buses will operate on 10 routes in Dhaka, while two buses will run on two routes in Chattogram and another two on two routes in Bogura.

Sheikh Robiul Alam said ensuring the safety of women passengers should not be limited to the inside of buses. Their safety must also be ensured while they wait to board and after they get off at their destinations. He said the new service has been designed by taking such practical concerns into consideration.

The minister said women make up half of the country’s population and contribute equally to families, the economy and nation-building. Therefore, he said, it is the state’s responsibility to ensure safe transportation for women to travel to workplaces, educational institutions and other destinations in their daily lives.

Speaking about the current condition of BRTC, Sheikh Robiul Alam said the organization was no longer operating at a loss and had reached the break-even point. However, he acknowledged that there were still shortcomings in service quality and modern management.

He said efforts were underway to reorganize routes and rationalize route permits to modernize the existing management system and establish more passenger-friendly operations.

The minister said the government had taken an initiative to procure 200 electric buses through direct procurement. Of these, 100 buses would be reserved for women. He said plans had been made to put the buses into operation as soon as possible to avoid delays associated with project-based procurement.

Praising women drivers, Sheikh Robiul Alam said women were not behind men in any field. From fighter aircraft to public transportation, women were demonstrating their skills across various sectors. He described the women-operated bus service as a symbol of women’s empowerment.

Addressing BRTC and Road Transport Division officials, the minister said the quality of service being launched that day would have to be improved further within two months.

He said ensuring a passenger-friendly, safe and dignified environment would be the biggest challenge for the initiative. The government, he added, would provide all necessary support to overcome that challenge.

Road Transport and Bridges and Railways State Minister Habibul Rashid and Secretary Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Haque attended the event as special guests. BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla presided over the program.