Pedestrian Walkability Index for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Stations in Klang Valley, Malaysia

Abstract

Light Rail Transit (LRT) is one of the sustainable transports which is highly promoted by Malaysian government with the intention to ease traffic congestion. However, it is observed that a few of LRT stations in Klang Valley are underutilised and have lesser amount of user. Location of the stations should not be a reason for this as they are usually strategically located and designed to encourage their surrounding residents to commute by walking. Instead, inadequacy of proper pedestrian infrastructure and facility is considered as one of the main factors that affects the commuters’ choice when choosing their mode of transport. The infrastructure design and facility can be measured and evaluated with the Pedestrian Walkability Index. This paper introduces the concept of Pedestrian Walkability Index as a measurement tool for pedestrians’ mode of choice. A new assessment form was created and customised for this purpose by adopting the Krambeck’s Global Walkability Index. Subsequently, three LRT stations were reviewed based on this assessment form and the results for each LRT station were presented. Results showed that Station Asia Jaya has the highest Walkability Index (3.36), followed by Station Sri Rampai (3.15) and Station Miharja (3.08). Results also showed that as the Walkability Index increases, the amount of pedestrian increases as well. The equation for the Pedestrian Conversion factor was found to be y = 9266.5x − 28,014. This can be used as a guide for future LRT station refurbishment project as well as new train station development projects.