Assessing the Impact of Transit-Oriented Development on Neighborhood Walkability and Livability

Thesis Abstract

Urban areas worldwide are increasingly adopting transit-oriented development (TOD) strategies to address urban congestion, reduce commute times, and promote sustainable lifestyles. However, the actual impacts of TOD on neighborhood walkability and residents’ quality of life remain inadequately understood, particularly in rapidly urbanizing contexts where infrastructure investments are substantial but outcomes are not always empirically validated. This study aims to assess the influence of TOD on neighborhood walkability and overall livability by systematically examining selected TOD precincts within the metropolitan region of a major city. The specific objectives include (1) evaluating changes in walkability indicators pre- and post-TOD implementation, (2) analyzing residents' perceptions of neighborhood livability, and (3) identifying spatial and socio-economic factors mediating these relationships. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach grounded in a concurrent triangulation design to integrate quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative component employs a cross-sectional survey of 400 residents residing in four TOD neighborhoods, selected through stratified random sampling, with data collected via structured questionnaires incorporating established walkability indices and livability scales. Spatial data analysis utilizes Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map land use and pedestrian infrastructure, complemented by secondary data on transit ridership and employment density. The qualitative component involves thematic analysis of 20 in-depth interviews conducted with urban planners, transit authorities, and resident focus groups to explore perceptions and contextual factors influencing walkability and livability outcomes. Quantitative data are analyzed through multiple regression analysis to determine the relationship between TOD features and walkability scores, controlling for socio-economic variables. Factor analysis is applied to identify key dimensions of perceived livability, while analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests differences across neighborhoods. Qualitative data are coded and analyzed using NVivo software to extract thematic patterns related to residents’ experiences, expectations, and barriers to walkability within TOD settings. The study also employs the Social Ecological Model to interpret multi-level influences on neighborhood livability. Anticipated findings suggest that well-designed TOD initiatives significantly enhance physical walkability, manifested through increased pedestrian infrastructure, connectivity, and mixed land uses. Furthermore, the study expects to find a positive correlation between TOD and perceived neighborhood livability, especially in domains such as safety, environmental quality, and social cohesion. Variations across neighborhoods are expected to be explained by differences in socio-economic status, transit access, and local governance practices. The findings will contribute novel empirical evidence to the discourse on sustainable urban development by elucidating the mechanisms through which TOD influences walkability and livability metrics. This research advances theoretical understanding by integrating insights from the Transit-Oriented Development Framework and the Theory of Walkability, while also contributing practical implications for urban planners, policymakers, and transit agencies seeking to optimize TOD strategies. The study concludes with targeted recommendations for enhancing pedestrian infrastructure, fostering community engagement, and implementing integrated planning policies to maximize livability benefits. It emphasizes the importance of context-sensitive approaches and provides a framework for monitoring TOD impacts in other urban contexts, fostering more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient neighborhoods.