THE IMPACT OF TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT ON URBAN CHARACTERISTICS: THE CASE OF, METROPOLITAN DOHA, QATAR

Abstract

Many cities introduce rapid transit or metro as a solution to the transportation problem caused by urbanization. Such a transit system will lead to the evolution of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) around the metro station area. TOD model includes urban characteristics and indicators with respective corresponding weights that can be used for this purpose. However, due to insufficient data, there are uncertainties in the assessment results. The main question of the research is: what is an effective assessment methodology based on the existing TOD assessment models to evaluate the impact of the metro station on urban characteristics and its potential for the evolution of TOD-type and its development? The aim of this research is to investigate the TOD assessment models and to develop pre-TOD assessment guidelines based on Spatial Analysis (SA), Virtual Function of Transit Station (VFTS), and Estimated Spatial Analysis (ESA); thus, providing a more reliable assessment and conclusion. The eight research objectives related to examining, assessing, and identifying relevant policies and planning elements that support the TOD type of development have been applied. The methodology of the research will follow three approaches: 1) an analytical approach that includes 6Ds of TOD, node-place, and TOD index models to investigate the TOD assessment process; 2) a development and empirical approach where Delphi technique is applied to develop a new assessment model based on the pre-TOD assessment guidelines, and 3) urban planning approaches where steps include, examining initiated VFTS type of all 37 metro stations in Doha and applying SA and ESA via Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping to validate the newly established model. However, based on the VFTS classifications, only six Metro stations are presented. The main outcome of the research is a proven framework of pre-TOD design guidelines that are divided into 4 steps, 1) initiating (based on SA), 2) emphasizing (determination of VFTS type), 3) investigating (ESA via 16 planning elements) and 4) integration (TOD assessment models with 6Ds elements). This pre-TOD design guidelines will provide planning authorities and TOD experts new insights on existing or future development within the Dependent Component Areas (DCA) of the metro station.