Motaleate Shahri

Urban Transport

Effective quantitative and qualitative indicators in evaluating the performance of Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) in a sustainable development view (the case of Mashhad city)

Hamid Farhad; Bahador Bazrafshan Moghadam; Toktam Mohtashami

Volume 6, Issue 23 , August 2017, , Pages 87-97

Abstract

Objectives The rapid increase of motorized transport in cities, especially in metropolises, has caused severe environmental problems such as pollution, traffic congestion, time waste and accidents, and has affected sustainable development of urban transport. Mashhad city, with 3,218,000 inhabitants, ... Read More Objectives The rapid increase of motorized transport in cities, especially in metropolises, has caused severe environmental problems such as pollution, traffic congestion, time waste and accidents, and has affected sustainable development of urban transport. Mashhad city, with 3,218,000 inhabitants, hosts many pilgrims from different parts of Iran over the year. Transportation is one of the most important concerns for this metropolis. One of the solutions to this problem is development of Bus Rapid Transport (BRT) systems in this city to facilitate public transport. Given the importance of BRT projects in developing Mashhad and strategic importance of sustainability of future projects, the question is that what indices measure the economic, social and ecological aspects of BRT projects. This study seeks to answer this question from the perspective of urban transportation experts. The aim of this study is to develop an ex-post evaluation framework for Mashhad BRT system by using assessing methods and weighting effective factors in evaluating transport systems. This framework includes economic, social and environmental performance of the system and therefore involves all aspects of sustainable development that is expected to be considered in the future development of Mashhad transport system. Method Study indicators were selected by reviewing the literature on BRT system in recent years and based on sustainable development criteria. After determining effective factors in evaluating the performance of BRT system, Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) was used to prioritize criteria based on questionnaires and interviews with experts in the field of transportation and urban management. Results After creating a decision tree in EXPERT CHOICE software and entering information collected from the questionnaires, pair comparison of consistency rates was conducted for each matrix in order to ensure the reliability of the questionnaire. The inconsistency rate for all indices was found to be less than 0.1, a value that insures the consistency of selected criteria. Based on the findings, the User Benefits criterion – involving comfort, consumer saving, travel time saving, vehicle operating costs, reduction of social exclusion, and transport diversity indicators – has the highest priority of 0.426. The Externalities and Environmental criterion (weighted 0.377) ranked second. Among various indicators of these criteria, Safety (weighted 0.437) and Air Pollution (weighted 0.305) were determined to have the highest priority in evaluating the performance of BRT system in Mashhad. The sub-criteria of employment, including both direct and indirect employment in the construction process, has the highest relative weight (0.454) among different sub-criteria of the “indirect effects” due to the increasing the demand for stores, restaurants, etc. After determining the relative weights of the criteria and sub-criteria, the final weight of each of the different indices of BRT system assessment was calculated. The inconsistency rate was obtained to be 0.07, suggesting compatibility and reliability of answers. From the experts’ point of view, “cost savings” is the most important sub-criteria in evaluating the performance of BRT system. Accordingly, reduction of vehicle and fuel costs may reorient the related funds to other consumption areas that may contribute to the realization of sustainable urban development in the long term.

Urban Planning

The Evaluation of Urban Development Plans Based on Interconnectedness and Connectivity Principle using AHP Model Case Study: Imam Ali Square Revitalization Plan in Isfahan

m e; e z

Volume 3, Issue 11 , August 2014, , Pages 19-36

Abstract

In this article, factors influencing the integrity of the historic fabric of urban development projects are studied. Integration is one of the main features of the historic fabric of cities with hot and dry climates which is influenced by urban development projects. Reviewing theoretical and empirical ... Read More In this article, factors influencing the integrity of the historic fabric of urban development projects are studied. Integration is one of the main features of the historic fabric of cities with hot and dry climates which is influenced by urban development projects. Reviewing theoretical and empirical literature revealed that integration criteria is classified under five categories that include unification, interconnectedness and connectivity, porosity, authenticity and vulnerability. To investigate the effects of urban development plans on these criteria, the Revitalization of Imam Ali Square project, as one of the most important projects concerning the regeneration of the integrity of the historic fabric, was selected. This project was implemented in the crowded area of central Isfahan. The square dates back to eight hundred years ago. The open space of the square has been occupied since almost two hundred years ago, and just recently authorities decided to revitalize it. After introducing and surveying the case study area, the effects of the revitalization project on Imam Ali Square were examined based on the twenty-one sub-criteria of connectivity and interconnectedness of which information existed. Linkage and connectivity of access network, linkage and connectivity of landuses and functions, linkage and connectivity through revitalization of ancient buildings and ruins, linkage and connectivity of mass and space, linkage and connectivity of urban spaces walls and linkage and connectivity through the density are the six main criteria of interconnedtedness and connectivity principle. An analytical hierarchy process (AHP) was used to evaluate the project. In this research, the way AHP was carried out differed from the general way it is carried out in urban planning. That is because in the general use of AHP, several alternative plans exist whereas in this survey only one plan or option existed. Evaluating one plan by AHP needs three hypothetical alternatives. The plan can be compared with an acceptable hypothetical alternative, a desirable hypothetical alternative and an ideal hypothetical alternative. The overall result of the evaluation shows that the regeneration of Imam Ali Square is at an acceptable level. After comparing the hypothetical state of the present plan with the various criteria, the results indicate that the main criteria of interconnectedness and connectivity is far from the ideal state. Thus, although the physical-spatial criteria of integration are reasonable, it must be revised with an emphasis on process and flexibility in order to achieve better integration. The conclusion also shows how AHP can be used as a quantitive tool for evaluating qualitative criteria by assuming other alternatives. Possible solutions for reintegration of historic fabrics through revitalization plans include active participation of local community, urban design and transportation solutions of main access paths and streets for decreasing car speed, determination of urban design guidelines regarding quantity and quality of building new paths and widening existing paths in the peripheral areas of urban spaces. In addition to these guidelines, other solutions for the reintegration of urban historic fabrics are gradual development of street networks, flexibility of revitalization plans, small scale development and avoiding large scale ruins and demolitions, and paying attention to the current community needs and desires.

Urban Planning

Developing Strategies for Improving function of recreational areas: the case study of Deedgah Recreational Complex, Sanandaj

Volume 1, Issue 4 , March 2012, , Pages 55-68

Abstract

Human beings are rooted in nature, and when we travel in greenery areas, we become more aware of this connection. As we are more immersed in nature, we become more relaxed and comfortable and likely to make generous decisions. But rapidly growing urban population and changing patterns of work and live ... Read More Human beings are rooted in nature, and when we travel in greenery areas, we become more aware of this connection. As we are more immersed in nature, we become more relaxed and comfortable and likely to make generous decisions. But rapidly growing urban population and changing patterns of work and live have increasingly removed our societies from the natural world and allowed ourselves to be encapsulated in an artificial environment. This created a widening gap between people and natural settings in modern era. For this reason, urban greenery areas, in addition to the aesthetic values, can make a significant contribution to well-being, health and also improve the quality of life by providing a setting for people gathering and social life interaction. Urban parks, as part of urban greenery areas and open public spaces, can generate tremendous values by providing open space and recreational opportunities. In this regard, it further contributes to larger urban policy objectives, such as job opportunities, youth development, public health, and community building. Apart from this, urban parks in developing countries are generally facing great problems due to the poor urban management, rapidly urban growth which is almost geared towards the automobile and resource crunch for the maintenance of existing parks/gardens and for the creation of new ones. Considering these, Deedgah recreational complex (Mellat Park) located along Pasdaran Boulevard, as the main north-south corridor in Sanandaj and gateway to Kermanshah, has been selected as case study of the research. Due to its location, function and long historical background, it gained a symbolic identity in the collective memory of the people. In recent years, its social life of the park is threatening due to some improper management practices concerning two underpass bridges have been built to ease traffic congestion. To reach the main aim defined as the title of research, a kind of descriptive-analytical method has been used regarding the results of literature review and field survey conducted in autumn 2011. For more information regarding the users’ view, the questionnaire and interview with experts has been used. To evaluate the existing conditions and for strategies and prioritizing them, SWOT and AHP as a decision-making methods has been used regarding certain spatial elements. The results show that Viability, Environmental health and Permeability respectively fall into the high-priority strategies for maximizing Deedgah recreational park function. This means that the proposed action plans should be more in line with the prioritized strategies.

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Keywords = AHP

Effective quantitative and qualitative indicators in evaluating the performance of Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) in a sustainable development view (the case of Mashhad city)

Abstract

The Evaluation of Urban Development Plans Based on Interconnectedness and Connectivity Principle using AHP Model Case Study: Imam Ali Square Revitalization Plan in Isfahan

Abstract

Developing Strategies for Improving function of recreational areas: the case study of Deedgah Recreational Complex, Sanandaj

Abstract