Unveiling Travel Patterns and Challenges Considering Mixed Land Use and User Behavior in an Indian City

Abstract

Transportation and land use are inextricably linked. Travel patterns are influenced by the location, design of new developments, and users’ behavior. In many Tier II cities in India where rapid transit systems are unavailable, such as Vadodara, spatial and transportation planning lack integration with land use. This disconnect neglects user behavior and travel needs, resulting in congestion and pollution as ongoing, reactive challenges rather than being addressed through sustainable and proactive solutions. This research used a triangulation approach incorporating literature analysis, questionnaire surveys, and field observations to enhance the robustness of the results. After a comprehensive analysis, findings were derived from the user behavior, traffic patterns, and field observations for mixed land use. The study revealed a heavy reliance on private vehicles for work trips (53%) despite low satisfaction with sustainable transport options (average rating of 2.8 out of 5). Infrastructure issues, such as disorganized parking and pedestrian safety concerns, exacerbate congestion and pollution. This study recommends a Comprehensive Mobility Plan (C.M.P.) and a land use and transport integration (LUTI) cell to address these issues and promote sustainability. Future research should explore comparative studies, socioeconomic factors, and legal frameworks for sustainable development.