Understanding Mobility Patterns And Mode Choice In Shared Micro-Mobility Access To Bengaluru Metro Stations Within T.O.D Influence Zones

Abstract

This study explores shared micro-mobility (SMM) use for metro access in Bengaluru's transit-oriented development (T.O.D.) zones, identifying a gap in linking user behaviours to last-mile connectivity, with past studies being focused on infrastructure (Archana, 2019; The Indian Express, 2023). This study adds user-centric insights to enhance inclusive TOD planning. The research aims to understand the impact of socio-demographic profiles and trip characteristics on the use of SMM services such as e-bikes and bicycles in TOD zones. The study hypothesises that user demographics and TOD proximity significantly influence ridership (Eom, Lee, & Lee, 2023; Zhao et al., 2018). Addressing a research gap of linking user-focused factors to SMM, the research selects four metro stations with different predominant land-use types. Survey-based Travel Length Frequency Distribution (TLFD) data were used with the Isochrone method in ArcGIS (Department of Planning, 2022) to delineate the TOD influence zones. Primary surveys collected data on ridership, trip purpose, trip frequency, and socio-economic characteristics from the users within the TOD influence zones. The research identified statistically significant differences in mode choice across age, gender, and varied aspects (Olabi et al., 2023; Bobičić & Esztergár-Kiss, 2024). At Baiyappanahalli, most of the users accessed the metro for work trips, while Indiranagar recorded the highest proportion of older users using SMM (Kidiyoor, 2022).