Train stations in areas of low density and scattered urbanisation: towards a specific form of rail oriented development

Abstract

The classical approach to the relation between rail and urban development takes the form of a circle of various radiuses (from 300 metres to 1 kilometre), centred on the rail station. The aim is usually to build more densely inside that circle. This method seems quite rough whatever the urban context, and particularly inefficient in areas of low density and scattered urbanisation. The following method is based on a GIS tool which seeks to establish the ‘real’ accessibility perimeters determined by five minute and 15 minute journey times. This new and quite precise illustration of the different notions of nearness enables a coherent strategy of urban development to be elaborated, which takes into account both local road networks and land use. By first stretching the nearness perimeters around railway stations, before making the areas within such perimeters denser, a greater number of inhabitants can be accommodated and the whole population can be provided with a more convenient and sustainable environment ...