SUSTAINABLE URBAN MOBILITY - TRANSIT ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT (TOD) PERSPECTIVE: A PILOT PLANNING APPROACH FOR PALESTINIAN CITIES
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Date
2024-03-03
Authors
Mashaqi, Shifaa
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
An-Najah National University
Abstract
Background: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) has emerged as a new approach in urban development in recent decades. TOD is characterized by a relatively high-density urban design with proper transit services featuring diverse land uses, complemented by a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly urban environment. Gaining knowledge and learning about good practices related to integrated urban development through urban mobility can be beneficial to reflect on concepts, plans, and policies in order to build livable and resilient Palestinian cities.
Aims: The primary objective of the study was to assess the extent to which sustainable mobility is acknowledged in local urban plans within Palestinian case studies. The study aimed to identify sustainable mobility and integrated development strategies applicable at the local level as related to TOD. Consequently, the study provides recommended TOD policies and strategies.
Methodology: A sequential research methodology was followed to study TOD as a sustainable mobility approach in Palestine. The process began with conducting literature review and examining regional and international experiences in the field. This culminated in extracting TOD principles and measurement indicators. The second phase involved the selection of the study area by choosing two exemplary cases that reflect the urban development reality in Palestine. Subsequently, data necessary for analyzing the current situation were collected from reliable sources and processed to conduct analysis for each study area. Upon accomplishing this phase, results were presented, including development of a general strategic framework to establish TOD as a planning approach in existing and emerging Palestinian cities. This was followed by conclusions and recommendations, serving as guidelines for authorities and relevant entities.
Main results: The results show Rawabi City satisfies a majority of the objectives of best practice in transit-oriented urban development where it has achieved a score of 59%, categorizing it as bronze-standard according to the TOD standards. Therefore, there is a potential to enhance the TOD system at the local level by making some amendments to the city’s policies and strategies, which in turn are reflected in its urban master plan. On the other hand, Al-Raihan Suburb cannot be considered to be satisfying the acceptable TOD standard scale, as it has achieved a score of 41%. Therefore, there is a gap between its planning concept and TOD principles, requiring re-consideration of planning aspects, according to the recommended guidelines, in order to align with TOD principles. The thesis results therefore include presenting a proposed strategic planning framework for planning new urban developments, or the transformation of existing ones, to be consistent with TOD principles including the vision, goals and objectives, and the strategies.
Conclusions of the study: TOD incorporates diverse components to foster the creation of sustainable, dynamic, and efficient urban structure centered around public transportation and the reduction of reliance on motorized cars. However, the essential elements of TOD encompass close proximity to transit stations, mixed-use development, high density and compact design, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, and affordable housing. Furthermore, TOD is in harmony with smart growth principles, emphasizing sustainable development, minimizing environmental impact, and encouraging efficient land utilization. The recommendations include encouraging the development of compact, mixed-use urban form, with emphasis on the planning and operation of public transportation systems with proper transit stations, and prioritizing such systems during the planning of urban communities to fulfill the fundamental principles of TOD.