The escalating vehicle emissions in Tashkent have given rise to deteriorating air quality, contributing to health issues. The surge in car ownership exacerbates the problem of car dependence, necessitating solutions for sustainable urban development. ...
The escalating vehicle emissions in Tashkent have given rise to deteriorating air quality, contributing to health issues. The surge in car ownership exacerbates the problem of car dependence, necessitating solutions for sustainable urban development. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) emerges as a potential remedy, directing planning towards the transportation network. However, the complex nature of TOD requires a multi-criteria method and a GIS-based geoprocessing model for a comprehensive evaluation. This research addresses the absence of a suitable measurement framework for TOD around metro stations in Tashkent, introducing a TODness index. The index aims to assist stakeholders in informed decision-making, resource allocation, and attracting investments for TOD projects, fostering the sustainable development of Tashkent's urban landscape, with a particular focus on the city's extensive network of 50 metro stations.
The lack of a standardized framework for TOD assessment poses a significant challenge, leading to inconsistencies in criteria application and misallocation of resources. This research aims to fill this gap by developing a methodology for quantitatively measuring TOD around each of Tashkent's 50 metro stations. The focus is on creating a TOD Index that incorporates various indicators, identifying areas for improvement, and providing recommendations for TOD planning proposals. The central research question addresses how current TOD levels around each of the 50 metro stations can be measured and analyzed to inform policies and identify areas for enhancement.
The significance of the study lies in providing actionable insights for successful TOD investments and areas requiring improvement in Tashkent, leveraging the unique opportunity presented by the city's extensive metro system. The methodology developed can be applied beyond Tashkent, contributing to the broader knowledge base on sustainable urban development and transit planning.
The research successfully achieved its objectives, employing innovative spatial frameworks, advanced geoprocessing models, and Spatial Multi-Criteria Analysis (SMCA). In addition, spatial statistical analyses, including Global Moran’s I Statistics, Statistics of Getis-Ord Gi, and Anselin Local Moran's I statistics, were applied to enhance the comprehensiveness of the TOD assessment. The results clarify opportunities for TOD in Tashkent, contributing to the ongoing discourse on urban development and sustainable transportation. Challenges, including the ambiguous nature of TOD evaluation standards and data limitations, were addressed. Recommendations include refining GIS models, adopting participatory decision-making methods, and incorporating indicator weighting processes based on input from stakeholders such as planning professionals, academics, and community representatives. This ensures a comprehensive assessment that considers the priorities and perspectives of diverse groups, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of TOD evaluation as a tool for urban development and decision-making.