Assessing the Built Environment of Light Rail Transit Stations to Encourage Active Transportation: A Multi‐Criteria GIS ‐Based Analysis

Abstract

ABSTRACT Active transportation (AT) has become increasingly important due to its positive impacts on public health, reducing emissions, and promoting sustainable urban environments. This study examines how Light Rail Transit (LRT) stations in Edmonton, Canada, contribute to encouraging AT by evaluating nine criteria within three key categories: infrastructure availability and connectivity, safety and security, and comfort and aesthetics. The Criteria Importance Through Inter‐criteria Correlation (CRITIC) method was used to determine the weight of each criterion, followed by the Weighted Sum Model (WSM) to rank stations, calculate scores, and identify areas in need of enhancement. An equity analysis was conducted to evaluate whether the distribution of LRT stations disproportionately benefits specific demographic groups. The findings reveal that 75% of sidewalks within a 400‐m buffer were of good quality, yet 12% of the area was unsuitable for walking. Moreover, 74% of streets within an 800‐m buffer lacked designated bike lanes. The distribution of intersection types within station areas included 46% cross intersections, 38% T‐intersections, and 16% cul‐de‐sacs. Furthermore, station scores, which range from 0 to 1, varied significantly, with Downtown stations such as Bay Enterprise Square (0.873) and Central (0.778) ranked highest, while suburban stations like NAIT Blatchford Market Station (0.044) and Davies (0.124) ranked much lower. This study highlights the necessity of focused improvements in AT infrastructure, particularly in outlying areas, to enhance the overall effectiveness of the LRT network. These insights are valuable for urban planners seeking to develop a more accessible and sustainable transportation system.

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