Urban form and public transport design

Abstract

Cities are constituted of several objects related within an urban form, which is a concept that is used to describe the physical and nonphysical characteristics of a city. Cities provide different services to fulfill citizens’ needs, in which transport is demanded. The urban form is strongly related to transport design, particularly to public transport design, as shown by several studies reviewed in this chapter. For example, sprawl has induced longer commuting times and increased traffic emissions, while compact development strengthens public transport, and thereby reduces demand for car driving, congestion, traffic emission, and other social costs. From the urban form perspective, strengthening public transport depends on designing systems that enhance comfort, convenience, and safety of public transport and active transport, through improving access, walking, and biking streets. The chapter considers a number of public transport guidelines produced by authorities (e.g., UK Department of Transport) and researchers. These emphasize the existing relationship with urban form and aim at enhancing public transport service and increasing urban sustainability.