Investigation of the road network structure around rail transit stations

Altıntaşı, Oruç; Kundakci, Alper · 2024 · Crossref

DOI: 10.53635/jit.1501395

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Summary

This study investigates the road network connectivity surrounding Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations in İzmir, Türkiye, aiming to assess how well urban street networks support multimodal transportation and accessibility. The research addresses the need for comprehensive evaluations of station connectivity, which is critical for reducing private vehicle use and promoting sustainable urban mobility. While previous studies have examined connectivity in other cities, there is a lack of detailed analysis regarding how different buffer zone sizes and specific metrics affect connectivity assessments around rail stations. This paper focuses on the Konak and Karşıyaka tram lines, evaluating the structural integration of road networks to identify areas requiring urban planning interventions. The methodology involved digitizing rail transit stations and road networks using ArcGIS Pro software. The researchers analyzed connectivity within three catchment areas (buffer zones) of 400 m, 600 m, and 800 m, representing reasonable walking distances. Two specific metrics were employed: intersection density, which measures the number of intersections per unit area, and the Connected Node Ratio (CNR), which calculates the proportion of interconnected nodes relative to total nodes (including cul-de-sacs). These metrics were derived for each of the 33 stations across the two tram lines to evaluate variations in network structure. The results revealed significant variability in connectivity scores among different stations and buffer zones. Stations located in high-density commercial and residential areas, such as Konak İskele, Bostanlı İskele, and Karataş, exhibited high intersection densities, indicating well-integrated street networks that facilitate pedestrian movement and multimodal transport. For instance, Konak İskele showed the highest intersection densities across all buffer sizes. In contrast, stations like Ataşehir, Mavişehir, and Üçkuyular demonstrated low intersection densities, highlighting significant connectivity challenges. The CNR analysis further clarified these findings; while some stations with low intersection density, such as Mavişehir, had high CNR values indicating structured but sparse networks, others like Nikah Sarayı showed both low density and low CNR, suggesting poor overall connectivity. The study emphasizes that relying on a single metric is insufficient, as CNR and intersection density provide complementary insights into network structure. The significance of this research lies in its ability to inform urban planners and policymakers about specific areas where connectivity improvements are necessary. The findings suggest that stations with low intersection densities require targeted interventions, such as adding intersections to create more integrated street networks. By identifying stations with robust connectivity versus those with significant challenges, the study provides a basis for enhancing the effectiveness of public transportation systems. Ultimately, improving road network connectivity around rail stations can support better accessibility, reduce reliance on private vehicles, and contribute to more liveable and sustainable urban environments.

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• rail grade crossings