Socio-economic and travel characteristics of transit users at Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) stations

The level of motorization has been increasing at an alarming rate in Malaysia over the years. Increase in population, economic growth, affordability to purchase vehicles, low fuel price and attractive vehicles financing system are some factors causing growth in motorization. As a result, Klang Valley and its conurbation are overwhelmed by traffic congestion due to the people’s tendency to travel by their cars. It is vital to identify the factors influencing transit users to choose the LRT services as their mode of transport to provide a productive solution for these serious issues. Some of the factors are related to socioeconomic and travel characteristics. The objective of this study is to identify the factors affecting the selection of LRT services as the transportation mode for travel activities in terms of demographic and travel pattern of the transit users. A survey was conducted in 3 stations in Kelana Jaya line and three stations in Ampang Line. Questionnaires were distributed to passengers accessing or departing from the selected TOD stations. The questionnaire survey covers areas such as the location of origin and destination, type of activities at original location and destination, and mode of transport used to reach the TOD stations. From this study, the travel distance, important type of activities at original and destination point, and major mode of transport to access or depart from TOD stations were identified. The findings were compared to the literature, and the output was presented in appropriate digital mapping images. Recommendations were made to realize the acceptable travel distance and mode of transport choice, as well as the primary land use activities for the improvement of TOD stations in Kuala Lumpur