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.