For the first time, Comilla University has introduced two double-decker buses on a trial basis to ease student transportation, the university’s transport pool confirmed on Sunday.

According to officials, the two BRTC double-decker buses began trial operations on 21 September, departing from Comilla city in the morning and heading towards the university campus via the Eidgah–Police Lines–Alekhar Char route.

Students expressed mixed reactions after using the new service. Mohammad Mahbub said the launch of double-decker buses had slightly reduced commuting troubles. However, he noted that low-hanging branches and overhead electrical lines created problems during the journey. He suggested that if these obstacles were cleared, the service could run smoothly.

Another student, Mohammad Arman Arif, said transportation shortages had long been a concern for students. With too few buses, many were forced to travel standing. He welcomed the introduction of the double-decker buses but questioned their suitability for city and campus roads. He also argued that instead of relying on hired vehicles, the administration should expand its own fleet of buses.

Assistant Registrar of the university’s transport pool, Mohammad Mosharraf Hossain Bhuiyan, said the buses were introduced on a trial basis to ease student difficulties. “We did not reduce the number of existing buses. Today we only added the double-decker buses to test their feasibility,” he said.

He admitted that the trial run faced obstacles from branches and electrical lines along the route. “We have already cut the branches, and we have informed the relevant authorities regarding the electrical line issues,” he added.

The transport official further explained that, since both buses started from Eidgah on the first day, students from Kandirpar were unable to board. To address this, one bus will start from Eidgah and the other from Kandirpar in future to ensure broader coverage.

The move is part of the administration’s efforts to address long-standing student grievances over transport shortages. While the trial run has sparked optimism among some, questions remain over the long-term success of the service given the infrastructural challenges along city and campus routes. The administration has said it will evaluate the trial before making a final decision.