How access and spatial dependency shape metro passenger flows

Mengying Cui, Lijie Yu, Shaoyu Nie, Zhe Dai, Ying-en Ge and David Levinson ()
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David Levinson: TransportLab, School of Civil Engineering, University of Sydney

Working Papers from University of Minnesota: Nexus Research Group

Abstract: Spatial imbalances in metro ridership significantly reduce system efficiency. Understanding the contributing factors is essential for improving ridership equity and performance. This study introduces novel spatial dependency indices based on spatial weight matrices and land-use function complementarity to explore how access and inter-station spatial dependency affect metro ridership, focusing on station-level boardings/alightings and station-to-station flows. Using Xi'an Metro data, we find that access to employment and residences from metro stations greatly increases station boardings and alightings. Walking access emerges as critical, especially for station-to-station travel. The analysis also reveals a complementarity effect: increases in boardings at one station lead to higher demand at others, particularly where stations serve areas with complementary land uses. These findings underscore the key role of access and spatial dependency in enhancing transit planning and system efficiency.

Keywords: transportation; accessibility; public transport; land use; active transport; transport equity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: R40 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Published in Journal of Transport Geography, Volume 123 (February 2025) 104069

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https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2024.104069 First version, 2025 (application/pdf)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:nex:wpaper:transportist-2025-metroflows-3

DOI: 10.1016/j.jtrangeo.2024.104069

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