100 electric buses for women on cards, to include seats for male relatives

The government is set to import 100 electric buses for women passengers, and is also considering a proposal to include seats for male relatives in the buses.

The entire project, including the set-up of charging stations and other infrastructure, is worth Tk400 crore, said Mir Ahmed Tarikul, chairman of the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), citing preliminary estimates.

Private company Pragati Industries has been tasked with importing the buses from China and deliver the vehicles to BRTC by 25 February next year, Tarikul added.

The final purchase order is likely to be issued on 22 November under a direct purchase process, he said.

The buses will form the first stage of the government’s 200 electric bus purchase scheme, which got in-principle approval on 6 August.

After assuming power in February, the government rolled out a fleet of 14 fossil fuel-run buses solely for women passengers in Dhaka, Chattgoram, and Bogura, with plans for future expansion. The buses are driven and operated by women staff to ensure security.

However, the scheme is running into losses and passenger number dwindles as women frequently travel with a male relative or partner, said the BRTC chairman.

To this end, the BRTC has sought permission from the Road Transport Division to allow some male passengers aged up to 16 years and studying up to higher secondary level, he added.

Talks are also ongoing for including some seats for other male relatives in the buses in a bid to increase passenger count.