Evaluating the Impact of LRT and Downtown Redevelopment on Pedestrian Behavior and Economic Performance

Abstract

Kobe's downtown area is currently planned for redevelopment projects that include the introduction of Light Rail Transit (LRT) and the construction of new facilities. This study advances the pedestrian model by developing a system that allows agents to choose between walking and LRT as the modes of transportation. We employ an MAS to analyze the effects of LRT implementation and redevelopment on pedestrian circulation, measured by five key indicators: average walking time, average walking distance, number of destinations visited, LRT travel time, and expenditure. Additionally, the impact on the local economy is assessed through the total visitor count and expenditure. The simulation results reveal that the introduction of LRT activates circulation behaviors, whereas the effects of redevelopment on circulation behaviors are limited. However, the results of the simultaneous introduction of LRT and redevelopment indicate increases in the five key indicators and total number of visitors, compared with the current state. Therefore, combining LRT and redevelopment can lead to increased pedestrian circulation and the revitalization of the local economy in the long term. The future challenge is to analyze the impacts of different routes, station locations, fares, service frequencies, and the characteristics of pedestrians on their movement patterns, in order to propose more effective planning strategies.

Keywords

Light rail transit / Redevelopment projects / Pedestrian circulation / Local economy revitalization / Multi-agent simulation

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Funding

Japan Society for the Promotion of Science(21K01515)

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