Walking environments for transit access: Travelers' perspectives

Abstract

Efforts to address urban transport and sustainability challenges have increased interest in walking as a form of transport. Organizations such as the World Health Organization and the International Association of Public Transport emphasize integrating walking and transit in urban policy. To support this, the paper presents findings from 596 face-to-face interviews on walking trips to tram stops. Three regression analyses examine the effects of walking environments on (1) the pleasantness of the walk, (2) walking time, and (3) safety from traffic. Time pressure, crowding, traffic, and unattractive environments reduce pleasantness. Green environments double acceptable walking times, while elderly, younger, and first-time travelers tend to walk shorter distances. Safety decreases with street crossings but improves in green areas. Female travelers are more sensitive to compromised safety. A structural equation model further analyzes relationships between pleasantness, walking time, safety, and other factors. Longer walks correlate with reduced safety and pleasantness, while pleasantness increases with safety. Results from the structural equation model reveal a sensitivity to unpredictable delays in reaching stops. Streets with traffic and crowded areas increase delays and reduce pleasantness and safety, while green walking environments reduce delay risks. The findings identify specific environmental conditions that support walking to transit and highlight the potential for integrating walking and transit policies to create synergies that benefit both modes. • Crowding and traffic reduce pleasantness when walking to stops. • Green environments double acceptable walking times to stops. • Walking to transit is affected by sensitivity to delays. • Unexpected delays lengthen walks and reduce safety and pleasantness. • Findings support integrating walking with transit investments.

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