The proximity to transit is a crucial factor in modern urban planning, as it provides people with new opportunities to utilize the land without the need for a private vehicle. I believe this parameter is significant due to its potential for optimizing land use in an area. Public transportation provides opportunities for people to move around their locations without the need for a car, thereby reducing road traffic pollution and congestion (Nigro et al., 2019). Therefore, the proximity to transit makes it easier for people to utilize space with maximum efficiency.
Moreover, the equal distribution of transit opportunities across an urban zone enables people to spread across the territory without creating areas where a lack of access is linked to a lowered quality of life (Kelobonye et al., 2019). To improve this aspect of land use, I would implement a minimum requirement for public transit spots within an area, while ensuring equal accessibility for citizens according to the population density.
In addition to this notion, the proximity to transit may affect public health within a community. Transit has a connection to health outcomes, as it influences both the activities of people around public transportation points and has a two-sided impact on the environment (Ewing & Cervero, 2010). The density of people living around such spots can be increased due to them taking less space for their vehicles. Despite reducing walking activities within an area, transit stops also alleviate the need to own a car, reducing harmful emissions (Ewing & Cervero, 2010).
I would recommend new policies that limit greenhouse gas emissions in populated areas. In my experience, a person is likely to find better opportunities in life if they have better mobility choices, which improves their quality of life. Yet, the question needs to be answered: is it possible to optimize travel points to alleviate the impact of emissions on one’s health without affecting the viability of complex transportation systems?
References
Ewing, R., & Cervero, R. (2010). Travel and the built environment: A meta-analysis. Journal of the American Planning Association, 76(3), 265-294.
Kelobonye, K., McCarney, G., Xia, J., Swapan, M. S., Mao, F., & Zhou, H. (2019). Relative accessibility analysis for key land uses A spatial equity perspective. Journal of Transport Geography, 75, 82-93.
Nigro, A., Bertolini, L., & Moccia, F. D. (2019). Land use and public transport integration in small cities and towns: Assessment methodology and application. Journal of Transport Geography, 74, 110-124.