A tech-based startup for student transport in Bangladesh

In Dhaka and Chattogram, school commutes remain a daily challenge for families, with concerns ranging from safety to long travel times. Pupil School Bus Ltd., a transport startup launched in 2023, aims to address these issues with a structured, tech-enabled solution.

Beginning with two microbuses serving 50 students in Chattogram, the company now transports about 6,000 students across both cities, according to the company. Through its app, parents can track vehicles in real time, view routes, and access live video feeds. Each trip also includes trained female guides to help younger children board and exit. "Parents can check the app to see where the car is, and at the same time know a trained guide is with their child," said founder Abdur Rashid Sohag.

Following an a2i Innovation Challenge grant of BDT 80 lakh, Pupil partnered with BRTC to run 10 double-decker buses in Chattogram, says Sohag. So far, the company says that it has raised over BDT 1.14 crore from sources including a2i, the iDEA Project, Oxfam, and BYLC Ventures.

Pupil's service, which started with 1,000 students, now serves 3,000. Another 3,000 use the company's own microbus fleet, says the company. Demand, however, still outstrips supply. "In Dhaka alone, we could launch 20 more microbuses tomorrow if we had the resources," Sohag noted, adding that talks are ongoing with local authorities and international investors, including Accelerating Asia.

Sohag says that Pupil vehicles undergo engine and cylinder checks, drivers are screened, and speeds are capped at 40 km/h. Guides monitor driver behaviour, and backup vehicles are dispatched in case of breakdowns. Monthly fees in Chattogram for Pupil range from BDT 3,000-4,500 for microbuses and BDT 500-1,300 for BRTC buses - higher than traditional vans, but the company attributes the increased cost to enhanced safety. To cut costs further, the company plans to introduce electric school buses with Palki Motors by 2026, offering air conditioning and app-based features at 20-30% lower prices.

Looking ahead, Pupil plans to onboard 10,000 more students by 2025 and 100,000 nationwide by 2028. It is also developing a software platform for other school transport providers to adopt its system and safety standards.