BUS RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM AND LAND-USE RELATIONSHIP WITH MODE CHOICE

Abstract

The key aims of this study are to examine models for describing the possibilities of Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) system and the association among land-use and transport modal choice. Kabul and Jalalabad were considered as study areas. These cities are the most significant metropolitan areas in Afghanistan in terms of traffic and urban form. In the analysis and modeling of Kabul's urbanization and transportation systems, the geographic unit used is the municipal area of Kabul, which spans 1,025 km² and comprises 22 districts. In order to achieve accurate results, the city was divided into 213 traffic zones. Hence, traffic zone is the unit for analysis. For Jalalabad city, disaggregate Stated Preference (SP) data were collected through a survey along the PT routes to analyze the mode shift from the current modes to the proposed BRT system. A preliminary survey revealed a lack of sufficient and efficient high-capacity public transport (BRT) systems in both cities. Additionally, segregation between land-use and the transportation system in Kabul city has created problems such as congestion, a high level of accidents, and air pollution. To evaluate the possibilities for an efficient BRT system, key concepts such as travel demand, modal shift, and affiliation among land-use and trip behaviours must be analysed. Various factors can affect these concepts, including household characteristics, travel features, and characteristics of the built environment. Urban Travel Demand Modelling (UTDM) study for Kabul utilized various tools to understand the city's travel behaviours. Through multiple linear regression, key factors such as population, job availability, car ownership, and urban density were recognized as major influences on trip- making. The majority of journeys appeared to start from the suburban areas and move towards the Central Business District (CBD). Using the Gravity Model, trips between 213 traffic zones were analysed, highlighting the main travel paths in the city. The study also looked into Kabul's transportation choices and noticed a preference for smaller vehicles. With the help of the Logit curve function, these travel preferences became more apparent. The rise in small vehicles poses a challenge for the city's transportation network. To address this, there's a suggestion to introduce an advanced BRT system to reduce the reliance on these smaller vehicles. As a part of this research, possible BRT routes were assessed to match travel needs. Among them, the All-or-Nothing model identified route 23 as the best candidate for a BRT, connecting Kabul airport to the city core. Modal shift is a fundamental concern when introducing a competent BRT system. Therefore, it V was necessary to develop a modal shift model to understand the influential variables. The research identified crucial elements associated with the viability of the BRT system. The suggested BRT system is anticipated to attract a considerable number of passengers form cars, share taxis, and personal transport means. The transition to BRT is profoundly shaped by factors such as journey and wait durations, distance to stations, the presence of air conditioning, the motives of the commuters, and gender considerations might catalyse a notable shift of users from low-capacity vehicles (LCVs) to the BRT. It has spotlighted pivotal elements driving the transition from LCVs to the advocated BRT system. The data gathered in this research demonstrates that many low-capacity vehicle users, including those using cars in Jalalabad city, are dissatisfaction with the current state and would likely consider this new transit alternative. The last part of study investigates into the relationship between urban compactness and transportation preferences in Kabul's 213 traffic zones using the mode choice model. Evaluating urban compactness, the research considers land use diversity and demographic densities. Using metrics. it identifies districts with high, low, or sprawling compactness levels. Results highlight a clear trend: densely populated areas like Bibi Mahroh and Khair Khana witness a greater inclination towards walking and public transport. In contrast, sprawling regions such as Paimonar and Reshkhor see a preference for private vehicles. The study confirms that urban layout significantly influences transportation trends, with sprawling areas showing a reduced tendency to utilize public transport or walking. The thesis aims to explore the impact of Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems on urban mobility, specifically examining how BRT influences the mode choice among urban residents. It contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence on the efficacy of BRT systems in encouraging a modal shift from private vehicles to public transport, and examines the relationship between the built environment and mode choice.