Exploring Spatial Accessibility to Urban Activities Based on the Transit-Oriented Development Concept in Pathum Thani, Thailand

Abstract

Transit-oriented development (TOD) serves as a model for sustainable urban planning, integrating land use and transport planning. Successful implementation varies across specific geographic locations and has yet to be fully realized in the suburban areas of Thailand. This study empirically examined and searched for understanding of the enhanced accessibility to urban activities through the TOD concept by focusing on bus stops and rail mass transit. The study utilized a network buffer zone approach around transit areas as TOD measurement units, examining distances of 500 m, 1000 m, and 2000 m. Spatial analysis was applied to examine and understand the enhanced accessibility to urban activities through TOD by using network analysis, Getis-Ord Gi* hotspot analysis, and bivariate local Moran’s I. The results revealed that this area still has limited access to activities via public transport, particularly in the areas where activities are concentrated, especially in commercial, mixed-use, and residential zones. However, upon examining the relationship between access distance and the intensity of land use activities, it became apparent that within the network buffer zone encircling the transit areas, designated as transit-oriented development (TOD) measurement units, there exists a notable concentration and diversity of land use activities. Specifically, enhanced accessibility to the transportation system corresponded to increased activity density. Nonetheless, this correlation was predominantly observed at stations situated in more central areas, whereas stations located at greater distances exhibited a lower intensity and diversity of activities within the TOD zone.

Unlocking Urban Accessibility: Proximity Analysis in Bangkok, Thailand’s Mega City

“…In Mitropoulos et al [23], the results indicate different levels of accessibility across modes of transport, including different activities. When considering travel patterns, it can be observed that in urban areas or areas with a high density of city activities and services, there are a variety of travel mode options compared to distant areas or areas with low density [11]. This highlights spatial disparities and inequalities in travel access across the study area.…”

“…Several studies have demonstrated the potential of applying accessibility analysis to urban activities and services. For instance, in the study conducted by Iamtrakul and Chayphong, which focused on spatial accessibility among rail mass transit and public bus modes in a suburban context, the results indicated differences in the accessibility of city activities and services among the various modes of travel [11]. Yang et al [22] explored the relationship between accessibility and economic activities from an urban spatial equality perspective.…”

“…Enhanced access results in increased life opportunities, as evidenced by various activities and services such as schools, employment, housing, etc. [11]. Specifically, access to urban activities through alternative modes of transportation facilitates the creation of more opportunities for various social interactions or activities while using road access, particularly for people facing travel restrictions, such as those related to income.…”

Research on Optimization Strategies of Regional Cross-Border Transportation Networks—Implications for the Construction of Cross-Border Transport Corridors in Xinjiang

“…As one of the important indicators for measuring the service level of regional transportation infrastructure, traffic accessibility has been widely used in the research of urban land use [12,13], transportation road network optimization [14,15], and spatial transportation planning [16,17]. Scholars at home and abroad have used the accessibility index to assess the spatial effects of transportation infrastructure, focusing on the evolution and spatial-temporal convergence effects of accessibility brought about by the improvement of transportation road networks of different scales [18,19]. Relevant research has concentrated on the county and city levels [20,21], and research on cross-regional transportation networks and accessibility has been limited.…”