Designing a Sustainable University Transportation Model: A Case Study of Dhaka-based Institutions.

Abstract

This thesis examines how university transportation systems in Dhaka can be designed and managed in a more sustainable manner by integrating three closely connected dimensions: operational efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability. In a highly congested urban context like Dhaka, university-operated transport services play a crucial role in ensuring reliable mobility for students, faculty, and staff. However, these services often face challenges such as inefficient routing, uneven seat occupancy, rising fuel consumption, safety risks, and environmental concerns. The study adopts a mixed-methods research approach, combining a review of relevant literature and policy documents with survey data collected from transport users and operators, along with interviews with key stakeholders. The analysis identifies major operational bottlenecks, including peak-hour congestion, limited use of digital planning tools, and traditional scheduling practices that reduce service efficiency. Safety-related issues and environmental impacts associated with fuel use and emissions are also examined. The findings reveal that optimized route planning, demand-based scheduling, improved safety management practices, and the use of digital monitoring systems can significantly enhance transport performance. Based on these insights, the study proposes an integrated and practical university transportation model tailored to Dhaka-based institutions. The proposed framework aims to reduce operating costs, improve reliability and safety, and minimize environmental impact while remaining feasible within existing institutional and resource constraints.