Determining transit-oriented development (TOD) typology using multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) in geographic information system(GIS)

Abstract

Land use planning and transportation are naturally associated with the creation of towns that are liveable and compact. It is a solution that commonly suggested, which lead to a more sustainable future. Even though the basic philosophy of transit-oriented development (TOD) seem to be same in all context, its specific applications greatly differ in form, function and impacts, calling for context-based TOD typologies that can complement to the existing specification and policy intervention in Malaysia. Furthermore, the TOD typology for the rail stations still not well explored, particularly in the detailed context of land use dimension. Further with the aid of the Geographic Information System (GIS), enables the capability in analysing TOD components by replacing the conventional method of the field survey to update their land use maps and spatial analysis. The objectives for this study are; (1) to identify land-use dimension criteria in order to evaluate TOD potential at the study area, (2) to analyse the potential of rail-based stations for TOD purposes based on five (5) land use dimension analysis, (3) to rank TOD typology of rail-based stations using GIS-MCDM and (4) to recommend the use of geospatial approach as a transportation planning solutions. The area of analysis will be within a 400-meter radius from the stations which comprise of 17 rail-based stations in Shah Alam City Council. The methodology adapted to this study is the GIS-MCDM technique. The analysis of research will concentrate on the land-use evaluation criteria that have been selected, which are coverage area, land availability, gentrification potential, density and diversity. Each of the land-use evaluation criteria will be scored through MCDM technique. Furthermore, the stations will be rank its TOD potential according to the total score. The finding shows that the highest TOD potential station is KTM Shah Alam with a score of 3.700. The least potential station is Subang Jaya Integrated Station with a score of 0.743. Based on the ranking result of the TOD potential analysis, the stations will be specified its typology by referring to PLAN Malaysia. Stations in the Shah Alam City Council area only involved in three TOD typology which is ‘second-highest TOD intensity’, ‘third-highest TOD intensity’ and ‘specialised TOD’. This study will provide a better understanding of how the land-use dimensions of TOD potential analysis are integrated into GIS application which is significant in many ways. Finally, a few recommendations have been suggested, which included compact development around the stations also will be one of the best ways to improve transit service. Dense and high-density development can help Shah Alam stay relevant in the future. Besides, the implementation of TOD is expected to create a sustainable community of high quality, inclusive, healthy and happy lives.