THE government’s plan to introduce women-only buses in Dhaka is a welcome move as it can address the persistent troubling reality of urban life for tens of thousands of women. For the women who rely on public transport, the commute is often accompanied by anxiety about harassment ranging from offensive remarks to physical intimidation. A dedicated bus service for women, therefore, acknowledges a problem that has for long been normalised in overcrowded city buses. A service designed specifically for female passengers could offer not only safety but also a sense of dignity and comfort. If implemented properly, it may encourage more women to use public transport for work, education and other activities. That would be an important step towards making the city more inclusive and accessible for women. The history of similar initiatives in Dhaka, however, shows that that good intention alone is never enough for effectiveness. Past efforts have struggled with limited buses, inconvenient schedules and weak enforcement of women-only rules, leaving many passengers disappointed and sceptical about whether the service can meet expectations this time.
The current plan also exposes shortcomings within the state-run transport system. The Road Transport Corporation reportedly has only 16 female drivers and only six of them are licensed to drive heavy vehicles such as buses. Even more concerning is that none of the drivers drive a bus. The remaining drivers are licensed only for light vehicles, highlighting a shortage of skilled personnel required to run a meaningful women-only fleet. Without sufficient drivers, conductors and supervisers, the service will become little more than a symbolic gesture. The existing women-bus service already illustrates the weaknesses. Only a handful of buses run on limited routes and make just two trips a day, leaving large parts of the capital without access for most hours of the day. Reports that male passengers are sometimes allowed on the upper decks further undermine the very purpose of the service. Such compromises erode public trust and discourage women from relying on the buses. If the government intends to create safer transport for women, it needs to address the structural limitations before expanding the programme across the city in any significant way. Careful preparation and adequate resources will be indispensable prerequisites for that.
The authorities should, therefore, proceed with caution and planning. A thorough feasibility study is essential to determine how many buses, staff and routes are required. Equally important is the training of female drivers so that they can confidently drive heavy buses in busy urban traffic. Investment in recruitment and professional development would ensure that the service is sustainable rather than short-lived.
