Perception study on the walkability of Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) stations

• Main Authors: Escober, Nico Joshua L., Go Tian, Elijah Ralph C., Morante, Mary Jazmine N., Reyes, Prudence Marie Y.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2018
• Subjects: Railroad stations > Philippines; Railroads > Philippines
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_bachelors/9866
• Institution: De La Salle University

The Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3) is one of the main modes of transportation in Metro Manila which has thirteen (13) stations spread along the stretch of EDSA from North Avenue to Taft Avenue. It caters to an average of 10-12 million passengers on a monthly basis. With the growing commuter population, there are also growing issues on the station's built environment and its effect on walkability. The highway along the MRT line, EDSA, ia a major factor to the congestion of the streets surrounding the station and therefore adding to the walkability of the area. A study on the walkability of the MRT 3 stations will help identify the main factors affecting the MRT-3 stations' walkability assigning a grade to each station, in hope to provide pedestrians a safer and more sustainable area. The ranking of the key factors using the global walkability index per station obtained from surveys, as well as measuring each factor's importance using an AHP questionnaire were the main methods in determining the walkability in a micro-scale. The utilization of the GIS software was essential in determining the walkability in a maroscale, presented in map form with observable characteristics. Both macro and micro factors were done to summarize the walkability of each station and of the MRT transit line as a whole. Results obtained from the stations surveyed show that the most common factors that have great importance to the commuters are as follows: availability and condition of sidewalks, behavior of motorcycle drivers, feeling of safety from crime, all of which vary depending on the condition of each stations and the environment surrounding the area. Results also show that the Ayala station is the most walkable, while the Taft station is the least walkable.