DUSA: DHAKA UNIVERSITY
SHUTTLE AUTORICKSHAW
SERVICE
BUSINESS PLAN
Submitted by:
Suprakash Bakali
ID: 131-17-099
Section: A
Supervised By:
Hamida Akhter
Assistant Professor
MIS,DU
Date of submission: …………………………………
BUSINESS PLAN FOR DHAKA UNIVERSITY SHUTTLE AUTORICKSHAW
SERVICE (DUSA)
Contents
1. INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................... 3
2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ....................................................................................... 4
3. COMPANY OVERVIEW ......................................................................................... 4
4. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION ...................................................................................... 4
4.1 The Challenge .................................................................................................... 4
4.2 Our Solution....................................................................................................... 4
5. MARKET ANALYSIS ............................................................................................. 5
5.1 Who Will Use This Service? ................................................................................. 5
5.2 How Do We Compare to Other Options? ............................................................... 5
5.3 Demand Estimation ......................................................................................... 5
6. OPERATIONAL PLAN ........................................................................................... 5
6.1 How We'll Run It ................................................................................................ 5
6.2 Scaling the Fleet ................................................................................................. 6
6.3 Embracing Technology ........................................................................................ 6
7. MARKETING AND SALES STRATEGY.................................................................. 6
8. FINANCIAL PLAN ................................................................................................. 7
9. SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ................................................ 7
10. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE ........................................................................... 8
11. RISK ANALYSIS & MITIGATION ........................................................................ 8
12. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS ............................................................. 9
13. REFERENCES ...................................................................................................... 9
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1. INTRODUCTION
Dhaka University (DU), founded in 1921, is one of the most highly regarded
educational institutions in Bangladesh, with a student body and faculty of more than
37,000 students and 1,800 staff (Dhaka University, 2023). However, getting around
campus can be challenging. Poor transport facilities lead to long walks, lateness, and
added stress—compounded by the city's notorious traffic and congestion (The Daily
Star, 2019).
To address these issues, we propose the Dhaka University Shuttle Autorickshaw
Service (DUSA). Our vision is to create a transport system that is low-cost,
environmentally friendly, and perfectly suited for campus life by using electric
autorickshaws on fixed routes with electronic payments and real-time tracking
(University of North Dakota, 2011).
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2. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The DU Shuttle Autorickshaw Service (DUSA) will provide electric autorickshaw
transportation on fixed routes across the campus. This means you can travel from one
building to another quickly, reliably, and affordably—all while reducing traffic
congestion and saving money.
Highlights include:
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•
•
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A straightforward fare system (Tk. 10 to Tk. 30 per ride)
Convenient digital payments via bKash, Nagad, or contactless cards
Real-time GPS tracking for on-time services
Multiple revenue streams from passenger fares, auto advertisements, and potential
subsidies from the university or government
We expect to reach break-even within about 18 months and plan to expand our fleet
as demand grows (ICEEP, 2017).
3. COMPANY OVERVIEW
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•
•
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Business Name: Dhaka University Shuttle Autorickshaw Service (DUSA)
Operating Model: Public-Private Partnership (PPP) with DU, private investors, and
government support
Goal: Provide a safe, economical, and eco-friendly transportation option for the DU
community
Vision: Become a model for sustainable campus transport in South Asia
4. BUSINESS DESCRIPTION
4.1 The Challenge
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•
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Traffic: Dhaka is one of the world's most congested cities (TomTom Traffic Index,
2023).
Limited Choices: Currently, most students rely on walking, cycle rickshaws, or
personal cars—methods that can be inefficient and overcrowded.
Environmental Impact: Traditional transport methods emit significant carbon
emissions (World Bank, 2021).
4.2 Our Solution
•
Electric Autorickshaw Fleet: Battery-operated vehicles that produce zero emissions,
making them both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
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•
•
Fixed Routes & Schedules: Efficiently connecting academic, residential, and
administrative areas.
Smart Technology: A mobile app and smart card system for easy payments and ride
tracking (University of North Dakota, 2011).
5. MARKET ANALYSIS
5.1 Who Will Use This Service?
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•
Primary Audience: Students, professors, and university staff who require convenient
on-campus transportation.
Secondary Audience: Visitors, scholars, and guests attending university events.
5.2 How Do We Compare to Other Options?
Transport Mode
Walking
Cycle Rickshaws
Advantages
Free and healthy
Flexible routing
Personal Vehicles
Comfortable
Our
Shuttle Economical,
Service
organized
5.3
Drawbacks
Slow and weather-dependent
Expensive, slow, and sometimes inefficient
Expensive and contribute to congestion
eco-friendly, Requires
initial
investment
and
organization
Demand
Estimation
Surveys indicate that approximately 60% of DU students and faculty would benefit
from a well-organized shuttle service (Dhaka University Transport Survey, 2024). We
estimate roughly 25,000 daily users generating around Tk. 250,000 per day, assuming
an average fare of Tk. 10.
6. OPERATIONAL PLAN
6.1 How We'll Run It
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•
•
Routes: Electric autorickshaws will serve key locations such as academic buildings,
dormitories, libraries, and administrative offices.
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with services every 5 minutes during peak
hours.
Fares: Fixed fares between Tk. 10 and Tk. 30, with special discount passes for
students.
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6.2 Scaling the Fleet
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•
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Phase 1: Begin with 15 electric autorickshaws.
Phase 2: Expand to 30 vehicles as demand increases.
Phase 3: Install solar-powered charging stations to further reduce costs and
environmental impact (ICEEP, 2017).
6.3 Embracing Technology
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•
Mobile App: For ride reservations, payments, and tracking.
Fleet Management: GPS tracking and monitoring to optimize efficiency and
response times.
7. MARKETING AND SALES STRATEGY
Our strategy includes:
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•
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Campus Campaigns: Use posters, online advertisements, and direct outreach to
students.
Referral Programs: Offer incentives for users who refer friends.
Social Media Presence: Maintain active profiles on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube,
and LinkedIn.
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8. FINANCIAL PLAN
Item
Estimated Cost (Tk.)
Fleet Procurement (15 vehicles)
30,00,000
Charging Stations
10,00,000
App Development
Marketing & Operations (6 months)
5,00,000
5,00,000
Total Initial Investment
50,00,000
•
•
Monthly Operating Cost: Approximately Tk. 5,00,000
Break-even Target: Within 18 months
9. SUSTAINABILITY & ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
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•
•
Zero Emissions: Our electric vehicles produce no carbon emissions.
Green Energy: Solar charging points will reduce reliance on grid electricity.
Eco-Friendly: Expected to reduce overall carbon emissions by 25% compared to
conventional transport (Bangladesh Renewable Energy Association, 2023).
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10. IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE
Phase
Timeline
Planning & Approvals
0–3 months
Procurement & Hiring
4–6 months
App Development & Testing
7–9 months
Pilot Service Launch
10–12 months
Full-Scale Rollout
13–18 months
11. RISK ANALYSIS & MITIGATION
Risk
Mitigation Strategy
Regulatory Issues
Collaborate closely with DU administration
Financial Risks
Secure sponsorships, grants, and PPP funding
Technical Problems
Implement live tracking and schedule routine maintenance
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12. CONCLUSION & RECOMMENDATIONS
The DU Shuttle Autorickshaw Service is designed to integrate seamlessly with Dhaka
University's goals of sustainability and improved mobility. By combining cuttingedge technology with a robust PPP model and government support, this service not
only makes campus travel convenient but also sets a new standard for sustainable
urban transport.
13. REFERENCES
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Bangladesh Renewable Energy Association (2023). Eco-Friendly Transport Models.
Dhaka: Bangladesh Renewable Energy Association.
Dhaka University (2023). Annual Report. Dhaka: Dhaka University Publications,
Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dhaka University Transport Survey (2024). Student Mobility & Transport
Preferences Report. Unpublished internal report, Dhaka University, Dhaka,
Bangladesh.
ICEEP (2017). Eco-Friendly Transportation Models. Proceedings of the International
Conference on Environmentally Efficient Practices.
The Daily Star (2019). Dhaka's Urban Mobility Challenges. Available at:
https://www.thedailystar.net
TomTom Traffic Index (2023). Dhaka Traffic Report. Available at:
https://www.tomtom.com/en_gb/traffic-index/
University of North Dakota (2011). Campus Shuttle Study. Small Urban & Rural
Transit Center, Upper Great Plains Transportation Institute, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
World
Bank
(2021).
Urban
Transport
Studies.
Available
at:
https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/transport
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