Country's first smart school bus in Ctg faces shutdown amid funding crisis

Bangladesh's first "smart school bus" service, which has provided safe and reliable transportation for over 3,000 students in Chattogram city over the past 19 months, is facing shutdown due to a serious financial crisis.

The service, praised for its safety features and its role in reducing traffic congestion, now faces an uncertain future after its main corporate sponsor, GPH Ispat Ltd, withdrew funding.

Launched in November 2023 through a joint initiative by the Chattogram District Administration and the Bangladesh Road Transport Corporation (BRTC), the service operates 10 double-decker buses that transport students to and from ten schools daily.

"In 2024, we ensured the safe commute of all students. But now, in 2025, we're facing a financial crunch. Salaries for drivers and assistants haven't been paid for seven months, and we lack the funds to cover daily fuel costs," said Md Zulfiquer Ali, manager (operations) at BRTC's Chattogram Bus Depot. 

"We won't be able to continue this service much longer without financial support," he added.

The buses, each with a capacity of 78 passengers, serve 10 routes across key areas including Bahaddarhat, Muradpur, New Market, Chawk Bazar, Cheragi Pahar, and Kotwali. The "smart" system uses GPS tracking, GIS, IP cameras, and digital attendance. Parents receive real-time notifications when their child boards the bus and can track the vehicle's movement.

The service became particularly popular among families without private transport. "Earlier, a parent had to accompany each child to school. That meant around 6,000 people were commuting daily for 3,000 students. The smart bus service has cut that number in half, saving time and easing congestion," Zulfiquer Ali said.

GPH Ispat Ltd had agreed to sponsor the initiative under a two-year agreement, covering operational and maintenance costs. The company pledged Tk1.44 crore and disbursed Tk72 lakh in 2024. However, in a recent letter to the Chattogram deputy commissioner, Md Golam Mocktader, deputy head of facilities and estate at GPH Ispat Ltd, said that they would be unable to fund the remaining amount for 2025 due to economic challenges.

Despite fare boxes being installed, the voluntary Tk5 student contribution has been irregular. As a result, the service has relied almost entirely on sponsorship. Since the sponsor's withdrawal, BRTC has covered costs using its own funds, providing Tk42 lakh in subsidies over the last six months— funds that are now almost depleted.

Students and parents have voiced deep concern about the possible shutdown. "If the buses stop, my parents will have to bring me to school. Please don't shut this down," said Asmaul Husna, a seventh-grader at Dr Khastagir Girls High School.

Mohammad Akber Hosen, a working parent from Muradpur, added, "Since the buses were introduced, I could send my child to school without worry, thanks to the GPS and CCTV features. If the bus service shuts down, thousands of parents will be in trouble."

In response to public concern, Chattogram's Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Md Shorif Uddin said, "There is no reason to panic yet. Discussions are ongoing with school principals about increasing the student contribution to help cover fuel costs. We're trying our best to ensure this vital service continues."