Dhaka University students can now breathe a sigh of relief, getting around the vast campus just became easier, safer and greener.
Introduced under an initiative by Green Future Foundation, four electric shuttle cars are now roaming the campus roads from 8:00am to 8:00pm daily.
With fares as low as Tk 10 to Tk 20, depending on the route, the service promises affordability alongside comfort. Each shuttle carries up to 14 passengers and has a dedicated volunteer on board to assist the passengers.
On a sunny Tuesday morning, this correspondent hopped onto a shuttle at Mall Chattar, a hotspot for students grabbing tea or cramming before lecture classes. The soft whirr of the electric engine stood in stark contrast to the usual roar of rickshaws and motorbikes. Inside, the air was light with chatter and relief.
As the shuttle cruised past the Arts Building and TSC, students waved from the pavement-some curious, others clearly envious. "I used to dread the walk to Curzon Hall during peak hours," said Ayesha Rahman, a second-year Chemistry student. "Today, I reached my destination in under ten minutes, sweat-free!"
Along the way, the shuttle made brief stops-each greeted by smiles and a bit of surprise. One passenger, soaking in the breeze, whispered, "I feel like I'm abroad!" as the vehicle rolled through the tree-lined road near DUS."
Arriving at Curzon Hall, students stepped down, refreshed and thankful. "It's not just a ride-it's a moment of peace on a busy day," remarked another commuter.
Though currently limited to four routes, the university plans to expand the service in the near future. For now, it's clear that this quiet green ride has already made a loud impact on campus life.
"I was honestly surprised when I first saw the shuttle," said Saima Khan, a third-year student at the Faculty of Arts. "It feels like DU is finally catching up with modern university campuses abroad."
Each electric vehicle, capable of carrying up to 14 passengers, is also equipped with a volunteer to guide commuters and ensure a smooth journey.
The presence of a designated volunteer has already received praise from students for providing a sense of safety, especially during evening hours.
"I usually avoid walking alone in the evening, especially during load shedding or rainy days," shared Haseeb, a residential student of Bijoy Ekattor Hall. "This shuttle is a game changer."
Initially, the service will operate on four fixed routes covering key points of the campus, including dormitories, academic buildings, libraries, and administrative offices. Plans are underway to expand the service if it gains popularity.
Environmentalists have welcomed the move as a step towards sustainable urban mobility. "Electric vehicles on campus send a strong message about climate consciousness," said a spokesperson from Green Future Foundation.
While the initiative is still in its early days, students are already calling it a 'breath of fresh air,' literally and figuratively. The quiet hum of the shuttle cars is fast becoming the new rhythm of DU life, replacing the chaotic honks and hurried footsteps that once ruled the roads.
Whether it's to beat the heat, avoid the rain, or simply catch a break between classes, DU's electric shuttle service is fast proving to be more than just a ride, it's a ride towards change.
