There is a lot going on in Dhaka right now, including the recently announced bus service, which has sparked a mix of cautious optimism, excitement, and a fair bit of scepticism among commuters. Yes, I am talking about the much-discussed pink bus service that will operate on a ticket basis, starting today, according to a press briefing by Md Saiful Alam, general secretary of the Dhaka Road Transport Owners Association (DRTOA).
There will be roughly 2,610 pink buses that will run between Abdullahpur and other locations within the capital, operated by 21 different companies. The goal of this program, according to the DRTOA, is to eliminate the infamous contract-based bus system, which has resulted in constant competition between drivers for passengers, unpredictable driving habits and, in certain regrettable situations, full-fledged on-road conflicts. By enforcing ticket sales and designated stops, the hope is that this will bring discipline to Dhaka's roads.

But we all know, for years, city buses have been the shameless champions of reckless overtaking — making the roads a pathetic circus show. So, will this new initiative actually rescue us from this daily madness, or is it just another well-intentioned project doomed to fade into obscurity? Let's hear what the commuters have to say!

"I just want one day where I don't have to sprint like Usain Bolt to catch a moving bus," says Arafat, an exhausted office worker. "If this works, I might even start showing up to work on time. Maybe."

While the expectations are high from people like Arafat, some commuters remain cautiously skeptical. For one, Dhaka traffic is an undefeated champion. "Unless these pink buses come with the ability to fly over gridlocks, I'm still going to be stuck at the same signal for 40 minutes," says Abir, a daily commuter.

"A ticket counter system sounds nice, but will it counter the daily chaos, or just be another queue to suffer through? Because now, instead of fighting for a seat inside the bus, people will start fighting for a ticket first. A step towards order is great, but let's hope this isn't just another rule that gets lost in Dhaka's jam!" adds Oyshee, another skeptical medical student from Mirpur.

"I just want a ride where I don't feel like I'm in a game of Temple Run," urges Rafiq, a regular commuter from Uttara. "If I can get on the bus without needing to elbow my way in and off without jumping mid-motion, I'll consider this a win. Let's just hope it works out like Dhaka Metro."

On the other hand, Nazmun Nahar, a schoolteacher, sighs, "Every few years, we get a new 'solution.' But we somehow get stuck in the same old jam. So, my first question: Will the ticket system work? Second question: Will the buses arrive before I retire?"

Well, I'd answer Nahar's questions — but unfortunately, I am afraid that I, too, might still be stuck in Dhaka's traffic when she retires.

"We've seen this movie before. The ending? Buses vanish, and we go back to hanging off the doors of old ones. BRTC had big plans, Trans Silva had fancy buses, but Dhaka traffic has a way of humbling even the best intentions," says Nahar with another big sigh!

Just like Nahar, I also can't help but worry about the actual implementation. Will drivers and conductors stick to the new system? Will passengers actually buy tickets in advance, or will they still try to negotiate a last-minute entry? Will Dhaka's streets actually be getting a long-overdue upgrade? And most importantly, will the legendary Dhaka bus chaos finally bow down to discipline?

"It's Dhaka," chuckles Momin, a rickshaw puller. "People don't follow traffic lights here; you think they'll follow a ticket queue?"

Still, I want to remain hopeful. I think, if implemented properly, this pink bus initiative could truly make public transportation safer, more efficient, and dare we say, pleasant?

For now, commuters also remain hopeful, yet amused (just like me). "I'm giving it a week," says Nafisa, a university student. "If, by next Thursday, I don't see someone trying to bribe their way onto the bus mid-route, I'll buy a box of sweets for DRTOA myself."

So, here's to the pink revolution — may the 'pink' buses offer a safer and more inclusive ride for all, as branding suggests. Fingers crossed!