Abstract
State of the art mass transit systems, such as bus rapid transit (BRT), have appeared to be an innovative solution to meet the mobility needs of many world cities. However, their ability to transform surrounding urban fabric remains less explored in the developing world. This paper examines the impacts of BRT Lahore on land development patterns, considering the phenomena of land use revitalization, densification, and property reconfiguration. We have used quantitative approaches to gauge the changes in the urban fabric, with respect to the local neighborhood conditions and parcel level attributes, using multilevel logit models. The results of the logit models reveal heterogeneous impacts on conversions to commercial plazas, apartment buildings, and mixed-use buildings. The distance to the BRT station and size of the property is significantly associated with these conversions. Overall, one can notice a lack of a sense of place making and an absence of transit-oriented zoning around BRT stations. The desire of sustainable transit-oriented development to intensify land uses according to local conditions requires local urban designers and planners to think ahead of the curve by working on the regulatory and zoning restrictions governing the designs of built environment and also address the issues of gentrification and social inequity.
Highlights
Mass transit corridors such as bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) lines balance mobility and amenity, providing more optimal economic outcomes to metropolitan conglomerations in general
Transit oriented development (TOD) is one of the significant aspects of mass transit systems which is incorporated within the surrounding environment [2]
It has been further claimed that the property values of the nearby land uses tend to rise because of investments in mega transport infrastructures [4]
Summary
Mass transit corridors such as bus rapid transit (BRT) and light rail transit (LRT) lines balance mobility and amenity, providing more optimal economic outcomes to metropolitan conglomerations in general. Residential and commercial activities increase in value due to the proximity to transport corridors. These transport infrastructure projects have a strong impact on the urban fabric, manifested through changes in the form and use of land and streetscapes. The development of mass transit systems tends to harness a compact development, where high-rise buildings often surround the main transport network. It has been further claimed that the property values of the nearby land uses tend to rise because of investments in mega transport infrastructures [4]. Initiatives to invest in transport infrastructures attract people towards downtown areas and a land use revitalization process takes place, leading towards gentrification [5]. The principles of TOD have a special focus on non-motorized means of transport, and many agencies in the world
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