ANALYSIS OF SCHOOL TRIPS IN DHAKA CITY: A CASE STUDY ON PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENTS

Abstract

Travel pattern and mobility of school children is often different than the overall pattern of city dwellers or adults. However, this topic is not well researched by academia or professionals in Bangladesh. Nevertheless, often it is claimed that school trips on private cars is one of the major causes of congestion in Dhaka city. This research provides an overview of travel pattern of school students in Dhaka and suggests how to overcome their major mobility constraints. Four hundred and twenty students from 21 different primary schools were interviewed using a pre-determined questionnaire and analysed to fulfil the research aim. It was found that the majority of students walk and a significant portion travel with an escort (adult family member) by car or rickshaw whilst cycling is very limited. Findings of this research may help to improve overall mobility and travel experience of school students.