Garcia, Brian Paul; (2019) Place and Public Transport: Station Area Characteristics in Relation to Passenger Rail Ridership. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

This thesis uncovers the relationship between place and public transport, namely how station area variables from station design to neighbourhood demographics impact passenger rail ridership. Public transport is promoted worldwide to reduce environmental impacts of auto use and to increase public health through associated walking trips (Cervero et al., 2017, Chester and Horvath, 2010). However, little understanding of the pedestrian experience or aesthetic quality of passenger rail station areas exists because transport studies are typically a statistical analysis at a larger scale of inquiry (Bertolini, 1999). Meanwhile, plazas and streetscapes have been a focus of study in urban research for decades (Ewing et al., 2015; Whyte, 1980). To understand how the pedestrian’s experience affects their mode choice more qualitative and experiential methods are necessary (Boarnet, Bostic, Williams, Santiago-Bartolomei and Rodnyansky, 2017; Boarnet, Giuliano, Hou and Shin, 2017). A mixed-method approach in this thesis, involving text analysis, an expanded statistical analysis incorporating place variables, and a place mapping site analysis provide an incorporation of qualitative data and pedestrian scale data into transport analysis. Berlin, Hong Kong, Medellin and London are examined through a streamlined statistical analysis. In Los Angeles, wealth indicators including household incomes, home value increases and home ownership had inverse relationships with passenger rail ridership. Meanwhile, population density and household density correlated with higher passenger rail ridership. Station design elements including the number of rail transfers available, underground line and underground station conditions along with paid parking at stations correlated with higher ridership. This thesis shows that qualitative and pedestrian level data collection may be incorporated into statistical analysis, while providing qualitative insights. From these results, transport planning agencies should place a priority on place analysis of potential station locations and invest in land use change and supportive urban design for public transport success.

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