Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6

Shahriar Iqbal Raj; Mohammad Shifat-E- Rabbi; Adnin Tazry; Nujhat Raisa Arpa; F.m Abir Hossain

doi:10.31127/tuje.1968418

Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6

Abstract

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) systems are vital for sustainable urban development in densely populated cities. Dhaka, the sixth most populous city in 2022, launched its first MRT Line 6 that year. However, the city was not built on Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) principles and is facing challenges in adopting MRT-supported systems. This study examines how demographic and socioeconomic factors shape users’ perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT by surveying 204 passengers at two stations: Bangladesh Secretariat (an institutional area) and Motijheel (a mixed-use commercial hub). Using Ordered Logistic Regression and Canonical Correlation Analysis, the results showed that income is the strongest predictor; higher-income users travel more frequently, access services more easily, and report higher satisfaction. Gender influences usage patterns, while older passengers view environmental benefits less favourably. These findings reveal persistent mobility inequalities and highlight the need for inclusive, context-sensitive MRT planning that ensures equitable access. This research supports Sustainable Development Goals 9, 10, and 11 by demonstrating how sociodemographic differences affect transit equity in rapidly growing cities.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

North South University

Project Number

ICCAUA2026EN0290

Ethical Statement

"This study was conducted in line with ethical research practices, ensuring voluntary participation, informed consent, and participant confidentiality." NSU Institutional Review Board/ Ethics Review Committee (IRB/ERC)- https://www.northsouth.edu/research-office/research-committee

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Transportation Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Shahriar Iqbal Raj ^*
0000-0001-6541-5109
Bangladesh

Mohammad Shifat-E- Rabbi This is me
0000-0002-0972-5353
Bangladesh

Adnin Tazry This is me
0009-0005-0214-1557
Bangladesh

Nujhat Raisa Arpa This is me
0009-0006-8680-4529
Bangladesh

F.m Abir Hossain
0009-0006-9143-0189
Bangladesh

Publication Date

October 16, 2026

Submission Date

June 10, 2026

Acceptance Date

July 24, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 10 Number: 4

DOI

https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1968418

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA97WS45ER

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Raj, S. I., Rabbi, M. S.-E.-, Tazry, A., Arpa, N. R., & Hossain, F. A. (2026). Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6. Turkish Journal of Engineering, 10(4), 1444-1473. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1968418

AMA

1.Raj SI, Rabbi MSE, Tazry A, Arpa NR, Hossain FA. Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6. TUJE. 2026;10(4):1444-1473. doi:10.31127/tuje.1968418

Chicago

Raj, Shahriar Iqbal, Mohammad Shifat-E- Rabbi, Adnin Tazry, Nujhat Raisa Arpa, and F.m Abir Hossain. 2026. “Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6”. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10 (4): 1444-73. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1968418.

EndNote

Raj SI, Rabbi MS-E-, Tazry A, Arpa NR, Hossain FA (October 1, 2026) Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10 4 1444–1473.

IEEE

[1]S. I. Raj, M. S.-E.- Rabbi, A. Tazry, N. R. Arpa, and F. A. Hossain, “Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6”, TUJE, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 1444–1473, Oct. 2026, doi: 10.31127/tuje.1968418.

ISNAD

Raj, Shahriar Iqbal - Rabbi, Mohammad Shifat-E- - Tazry, Adnin - Arpa, Nujhat Raisa - Hossain, F.m Abir. “Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6”. Turkish Journal of Engineering 10/4 (October 1, 2026): 1444-1473. https://doi.org/10.31127/tuje.1968418.

JAMA

1.Raj SI, Rabbi MS-E-, Tazry A, Arpa NR, Hossain FA. Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6. TUJE. 2026;10:1444–1473.

MLA

Raj, Shahriar Iqbal, et al. “Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6”. Turkish Journal of Engineering, vol. 10, no. 4, Oct. 2026, pp. 1444-73, doi:10.31127/tuje.1968418.

Vancouver

1.Shahriar Iqbal Raj, Mohammad Shifat-E- Rabbi, Adnin Tazry, Nujhat Raisa Arpa, F.m Abir Hossain. Transit-Oriented Development in the Global South: User Perceptions of Dhaka’s MRT Line 6. TUJE. 2026 Oct. 1;10(4):1444-73. doi:10.31127/tuje.1968418