Measuring the walkability of areas around Addis Ababa LRT stations by integrating Analytic Hierarchal Process (AHP) and GIS

  • Ashenafi Wondimu Tekolla African Railway Centre of Excellence (ARCE), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3372-8933
  • Abrham Gebre Tarekegn Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0172-2905
  • Getu Segni Tulu Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8392-7466
DOI: https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/11025
Keywords: Addis Ababa, Analytic hierarchy process (AHP), Geographical information system (GIS), Transit oriented development (TOD), Walkability, Weighted overlay analysis

Abstract

Creating suitable walking conditions is the primary objective of sustainable urban models such as Transit Oriented Development (TOD). Walkable built up area benefit cities economically, environmentally, socially and improving public health. This can be utilized by creating suitable streets that enable people to access their daily needs walking without relying on private cars. Therefore in planning TOD, the existing walkability of the areas around transit station should be investigated taking factors that encourage walking into consideration. The objective of this research is find spatial method to measure the existing circumstances that encourage walking around Addis Ababa LRT stations by integrating the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Geographical Information System (GIS). The results clustered areas with similar levels of walkability in group and represent them with different colors. The finding the study revealed that the majority of the study areas (approximately 72.35%) were classified as fairly walkable, 19.47% of the study area clustered as not walkable and only 8.15% clustered as walkable. This result is expected to offer valuable insights for urban planners and decision-makers to pass calculated decision to enhance walkability of the areas. As this method continues to advance with technologies it will play crucial role in planning TOD focusing on shaping the future of urban walkability and creating sustainable cities.

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Author Biographies

Ashenafi Wondimu Tekolla, African Railway Centre of Excellence (ARCE), Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa

He is PhD student in Addis Ababa University, African Railway Centre of Excellence (ARCE) in Railway Civil Infrastructures department. His thesis focuses on “How to Get the Best out of Transit Oriented Development around the Addis Ababa LRT stations”. The research based on the recent interest of Addis Ababa City administration to implement TOD LRT station along the route and mainly stresses on what need to be done, what kind of research need to undertake in advance of investing time and many on TOD. He worked as a project manager of Addis Ababa LRT Transit Oriented Development project of three years. Currently he is also working as Team leader of Quality Management System division in Ethiopian Railway Corporation (ERC).

Abrham Gebre Tarekegn, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa

He is Associate professor in Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa institute of Technology and Head of Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

Getu Segni Tulu, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, Addis Ababa Institute of Technology Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa

He is lecturer in Addis Ababa University, Civil and Environmental Engineering Department. His research focus is Road and Traffic Accident, Road Safety and Pollution and Traffic Management.

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Published
2024-12-31
How to Cite
TekollaA., TarekegnA., & TuluG. (2024). Measuring the walkability of areas around Addis Ababa LRT stations by integrating Analytic Hierarchal Process (AHP) and GIS. TeMA - Journal of Land Use, Mobility and Environment, 17(3), 423-438. https://doi.org/10.6093/1970-9870/11025
Issue
Vol 17 No 3 (2024): NEW CHALLENGES FOR XXI CENTURY CITIES Global warming, ageing of population, reduction of energy consumption, immigration flows, optimization of land use, technological innovation
Section
Focus

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