ABSTRACT
Dhaka has a very low level of motorization compared to other large cities of the world. About 60% of total trips are comprised of on foot while almost half of the remaining trips are made by non-motorized transport (NMT). Across all modes of transport average trip lengths for NMT is about 18 minutes and for motorized transport is 27 minutes. The cost of transport represents about 10.8% of total household incomes. A large group inside the society has least access to transport services. For the poor, lack of access is a direct function of low income and on the other hand, failure of ensured and efficient service is the least access of other household people. Mass transit system available in Dhaka city are: bus, minibus, and auto-tempo. The bus and minibus are the only available mass transit modes are affordable to the urban poor.
There are tremendous scopes for improving the quality and quantity of mass transit services in Dhaka, through carefully targeted low cost and efficient service programs. These can forestall the need of major transport infrastructure investments for several years but they require the commitment and willingness from the policy makers. It is estimated that around 398 D/D, 447 standard, 258 Premium, and 348 mini (midi) buses or other mass transit systems are required to meet the current demand. However, there are presently only 1400 old medium size buses (minibuses) running in the city and among them 1100 go into regular services for their daily operation.