Affordable, quiet and green: Electric shuttle buses set a model for Dhaka’s residential areas
To reduce traffic congestion and excessive rickshaw fares in Bashundhara R/A, an electric shuttle bus service has been launched on an experimental basis, with a minimum fare of Tk10
Hasan Shahed was waiting for a rickshaw near the 300-foot entrance of Bashundhara Residential Area when he suddenly noticed a red shuttle bus approaching at a steady pace. A long-time resident, he had never seen it before, having always relied entirely on rickshaws. The bus came to a stop just a few metres from where he was standing.
At first, he was a little hesitant. But he decided to step onto the shuttle bus — and to his pleasant surprise, it turned out to be a comfortable experience, one that soon became his regular commute.
"As it moved forward, I realised the journey was not only comfortable but also sustainable," he said.
To reduce traffic congestion and excessive rickshaw fares in Bashundhara, an electric shuttle bus service has been launched on an experimental basis, with a minimum fare of Tk10. These eco-friendly shuttle buses travel from the 300-foot entrance of Bashundhara to the pocket gate of Evercare Hospital; another set plies through more remote I and K blocks.
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Introduction of shuttle buses in the area has impacted the lives of the residents as well as regular commuters in a very positive way.
"It has been a very timely step," said Hasan, who commutes through Bashundhara R/A regularly as his two children study at different schools in the area. "During rush hours, it becomes very difficult to find rickshaws; moreover, pullers demand higher fares when more people are waiting. Since the shuttle bus was introduced, the pressure on rickshaws has eased significantly, which has benefited regular commuters like me."
Sohel Rana, a driver of an electric shuttle bus in Bashundhara, noticed a sharp rise in demand within just a month of the service's introduction. He said that from Bashundhara 300 feet to Evercare Hospital, three shuttle buses are currently in operation, with another 10 running in different blocks — and many more expected to be added soon.
"People are really appreciating the service and our passengers are very satisfied. For instance, the fare from 300 feet to North South University is Tk10, and to Evercare it's Tk20, whereas a rickshaw on the same route would cost around Tk50," he said.
Operated by the residential authority, the shuttle buses allow passengers to board from both sides and can carry 10 people at a time. Services run from 6am to 9pm, with a break from 2pm to 3pm.
Transport experts and city planners are optimistic about the prospects of electric shuttle buses in Dhaka's residential areas.
"There are several positives to this. Firstly, it doesn't create sound pollution like easybikes, which is essential for residential areas. Secondly, it can carry many people at once, making it space-efficient — a clear advantage," said transport expert and BUET Professor Dr Shamsul Alam.
"During rush hours, it becomes very difficult to find rickshaws; moreover, pullers demand higher fares when more people are waiting. Since the shuttle bus was introduced, the pressure on rickshaws has eased significantly, which has benefited regular commuters like me."
Unlike the individual nature of rickshaws, Professor Shamsul said, this is a form of paratransit that does not need to be parked here and there, but rather operates continuously, much like buses. E-rickshaws, on the other hand, require both space to operate and space to park.
In that sense, these shuttle buses actually take up less space, as each can carry 10 passengers — effectively replacing five to 10 rickshaws in a more efficient way.
This reduces traffic congestion, while the parking demand is minimal if the service runs continuously. In residential areas, where quietness is important, these silent buses can play a meaningful role.
Moreover, they are environmentally friendly, which will naturally make them popular with users. Unlike being compelled to take rickshaws, which are expensive, this is clearly a cheaper alternative.
"The model is already spreading. Many residential communities are discussing it. In Uttara, for instance, residents are fed up with the noise pollution from auto rickshaws, which also contribute to accidents in residential zones. Electric shuttle buses, by contrast, are quiet and less manoeuvrable. Because of their larger size, they are driven more like proper motor vehicles, which makes them safer," Shamsul Alam said.
"Considering safety, environmental impact and affordability, this system has every reason to be sustainable — its benefits are immediately apparent," he added.
Being easy on the pockets, the electric shuttle buses are not only a relief to residents but also many lower income professionals who rely on working in the residential area, such as the house maids.
Rehana Khatun, a maid working in a flat in the residential area, said the shuttle buses make it easier for her to travel between houses in different blocks.
"We can hardly afford rickshaw fares, but my work requires me to move between several locations. This shuttle bus service, running from the 300-foot entrance of Bashundhara to the pocket gate of Evercare Hospital, charges Tk20, with Tk10 for shorter trips in between, making it much more convenient for people like us to reach our workplaces," Rehana said.
Sohel Rana, a shuttle bus driver, is optimistic about the service's future.
"I believe the service will only become more popular, as passengers are consistently satisfied," he added.
