A special bus service exclusively for women is set to begin operations in Dhaka on Tuesday, aiming to ensure safer, more comfortable and hassle-free travel for female passengers.The initiative has been taken by the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC) as part of the government’s election manifesto. The service, popularly known as the ‘Pink Bus’, will be operated by female drivers and female conductors.The initiative is expected to increase women’s participation in the public transport sector while providing female passengers with a safer and more comfortable commuting environment.According to BRTC sources, the official inauguration ceremony of the women’s bus service will be held at 10:00am Tuesday at the BRTC Dhaka Truck Depot premises in Tejgaon.Senior officials from relevant ministries and government departments are expected to attend the programme.Road Transport and Bridges Minister Sheikh Rabiul Alam will attend the event as the chief guest. State Minister for Road Transport and Highways Habibur Rashid and Secretary Dr Mohammad Ziaul Haque will be present as special guests. BRTC Chairman Abdul Latif Molla will chair the programme.Thousands of women use public transport in Dhaka every day, including working women, students, job seekers and business professionals.However, women passengers have long faced various challenges on public transport, including overcrowding, shortage of seats, harassment, unwanted behaviour and safety concerns.Against this backdrop, the introduction of a dedicated bus service for women is being viewed as an important step towards creating a more women-friendly public transport system.The new BRTC service is expected to allow female passengers to travel in a relatively safer and more comfortable environment. It could particularly benefit working women and students who regularly commute to offices and educational institutions.The initiative could also create additional employment opportunities for women in the transport sector through the recruitment of female drivers and conductors.As the number of female drivers in public transportation remains relatively low, operating dedicated buses with women workers is being seen as a new step towards increasing women’s participation in the sector.The initiative may also pave the way for greater involvement of women in other areas of public transportation if the service proves successful.The announcement of the dedicated women’s bus service has already generated interest among female passengers, particularly working women and students. Many are keen to know the routes, schedules and operational details of the new service.The BRTC’s ‘Pink Bus’ service will officially begin its journey with Tuesday’s inauguration. Officials concerned believe that if the service can ensure regularity and reliability, it could become an important alternative mode of transportation for women in the capital.