Structural Equation Modeling of Rider Wellbeing for Sustainable Transportation Planning of the Dubai Metro

Public transportation systems in modern cities are transitioning from infrastructure- and technology-centric models to human-centered development. One emerging focus area is rider wellbeing, which integrates physical, emotional, and psychological dimensions of transit experiences. This study investigates rider wellbeing in the Dubai Metro system, leveraging a large-scale survey of 1409 users and analyzing the data using Generalized Structured Component Analysis (GSCA). The research identifies three latent constructs—Service Efficiency and Accessibility (SEA), Physical Environment and Passenger Comfort (PEPC), and Service Operations and Assurance (SOA)—as key determinants of rider wellbeing. The final model demonstrated strong fit (FIT = 0.639; AFIT = 0.621) and established a structural equation: Wellbeing = 0.216(SEA) + 0.513(SOA) + 0.318(PEPC) + ε. Findings reveal the need to prioritize speed, comfort, connectivity, and digital communication enhancements. Sustainable transportation planning is dependent on public transportation being not just available but also perceived as dependable, comfortable, and convenient to use. This study connects metro service characteristics to rider wellbeing and provides evidence to help guide service goals that promote rider retention and social sustainability. The study is unique in that it presents a latent-variable model that evaluates service features collectively (rather than individually) and converts them into interpretable planning levers using Dubai Metro survey data. By improving metro users’ experiences, the framework contributes to the sustainable mobility paradigm by enabling cities to maintain and expand public transportation use, an enabling solution for lowering vehicle dependency and associated negative impacts. This paradigm also benefits the environment by reducing emissions, increasing air quality, and promoting sustainable urban ecosystems. The proposed framework offers actionable insights for improving metro planning in Dubai and contributes broadly to global public transit development. Incorporating wellbeing into transportation planning supports smart city goals, enhances rider satisfaction, and fosters sustainable urban mobility.