Dhaka needs short-trip shuttle buses

Running short-trip shuttle bus services may be an option to overcome the public transport chaos in Dhaka. It is because the country's capital city is densely populated, and many people commute within a short distance. As existing public buses mainly cover long distances, passengers travelling short-distance depend on these buses. The buses become overcrowded most of the time and many can't avail of the service. So, they have to rely on various means of transport like rickshaws, CNG-run auto-rickshaws, motorbikes and private cars. All these create traffic congestion on streets and roads.

The city is also not friendly for walkers. An inadequate number of footpaths or walkways is a major barrier. Most of the existing footpaths are occupied by street vendors and motorcycles. Some footpaths are also in a pitiable condition. Thus, pedestrians do not find sufficient ways to walk smoothly and have to walk on roads and streets in many cases. Though it is possible to take a short-distance trip by walking, in Dhaka, it seems difficult and sometimes impossible. Thus, people look for any transport to reach their close destinations.

Against the backdrop, short-trip shuttle buses can be helpful for a good number of regular commuters.

For instance, shuttle buses from Kamlapur Railway station to Moghbazar or Bangalmotor intersection can be easily introduced. The 4-km journey with four or five stoppages in between can smoothly transfer thousands of students, office goers and traders who travel the route daily. In this way, these commuters will no longer look for long-distance buses, costly CNG-run auto-rickshaws, or risky motorbikes. There will also be less traffic congestion on the roads. Even the buses can be run in a semi-circular way. Similarly, shuttle buses from Mohammdpur to Jigatoal or Shahbagh to Farmgate can be introduced. 

Due to the short distance, the buses may have fewer seats and more space for standing. Commuters will be okay going a few kilometres without having seats as they are likely to reach their destinations on time. The fare of these short-trip buses will also be acceptable if fixed rationally with a maximum and a minimum fare. For example, those travelling at least half the way or more will pay the maximum fare. Others will pay the minimum one.

A few short-trip buses can also be used as student buses during a specific period daily except weekends and holidays. Only students of schools and colleges will commute in these buses at the scheduled time. It is easy to know educational institutions' starting and closing times in different areas. Buses can be deployed accordingly.

To fix the terrible traffic situation in Dhaka, the authorities have undertaken many big and mega projects. The outcome of these high-cost and ambitious projects will be visible a couple of years later, some even after a decade. It is not unlikely that some of these projects will not deliver the optimal outcome, and a few even may be proved inefficient. So, the policymakers and the authorities concerned also need to consider low-cost alternatives like introduction of short-trip shuttle buses.

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