The Effects of Urban Form on Walking to Transit

This study analyzes an on-board transit survey conducted by the Atlanta Regional Commission in order to determine how far urban density, mixed land-uses, and street network connectivity are related to transit walk-mode shares to/from stations. The data are drawn from all the stations of Atlanta’s rapid transit network (MARTA). Overall, the analyses presented in this study confirm the hypothesis that local conditions around MARTA rail stations are significantly related to riders’ choice to walk to/from transit. The results emphasize the importance of including measures of street connectivity in transit-oriented studies. It is shown that street connectivity is strongly associated with walk-mode shares when controlling for transit service characteristics as well as population density, land-use mix and personal attributes. The research findings have several implications. They confirm that transit oriented policies are better supported by urban development policies and zoning and subdivision regulations that encourage transit-friendly urban forms. Findings also augment the knowledge base that supports transit oriented development by emphasizing the contribution of the spatial structure of the street network, over and above the impact of side-walk provision and design and pedestrian safety.