Skywalk facility utilization and factors influencing its use: A case study of Mumbai Metropolitan Region, India

Abstract

The present study analyzes pedestrian skywalks in Mumbai Metropolitan Region by collecting video and pedestrian perception data at six skywalk locations. Video data helps determine skywalks' capacity utilization and level of service (LOS), and the pedestrian perceptions help determine various factors influencing its use. LOS evaluation shows that skywalks in MMR are underutilized, with their capacity utilization rate varying from 3 to 27%. Descriptive analysis of pedestrian perception indicates weather protection as a significant consideration of pedestrians in selecting the skywalks. People using the skywalks prefer using it bidirectionally, i.e., while going towards the railway station and leaving it. However, pedestrians defer using the facility if approaching it requires deviation from their frequently used path. Selective preferences of 1118 pedestrians modeled using binary logistic regression show that an increase in the frequency of skywalk use, ease of usage, security at night, and skywalk length positively impacts skywalk utilization while increased familiarity with location and age negatively impacts its use. Pedestrians occupation also influences pedestrian skywalk selection, with students less likely to use skywalk facilities than servicemen. Providing elevators/escalators, improved security at night by sufficient illumination, security guards, CCTV surveillance, timely maintenance of the facility, and strategically locating the entry-exit points can improve skywalk facility utilization. Insights from this study can help decision-makers improve existing skywalks and efficiently plan similar facilities in the future.