Insights into the Impacts of Mega Transport Infrastructures on the Transformation of Urban Fabric: Case of BRT Lahore

Abstract

State of the art mass transit systems, such as bus rapid transit (BRT), have appeared to be an innovative solution to meet the mobility needs of many world cities. However, their ability to transform surrounding urban fabric remains less explored in the developing world. This paper examines the impacts of BRT Lahore on land development patterns, considering the phenomena of land use revitalization, densification, and property reconfiguration. We have used quantitative approaches to gauge the changes in the urban fabric, with respect to the local neighborhood conditions and parcel level attributes, using multilevel logit models. The results of the logit models reveal heterogeneous impacts on conversions to commercial plazas, apartment buildings, and mixed-use buildings. The distance to the BRT station and size of the property is significantly associated with these conversions. Overall, one can notice a lack of a sense of place making and an absence of transit-oriented zoning around BRT stations. The desire of sustainable transit-oriented development to intensify land uses according to local conditions requires local urban designers and planners to think ahead of the curve by working on the regulatory and zoning restrictions governing the designs of built environment and also address the issues of gentrification and social inequity.

Delivering Urban Mass Transit—The Case of Lahore, Pakistan

“…It was also estimated that it would attract a daily ridership of about 211,000 after opening and would rise to cover 426,000 by 2021 (MVA Asia 2006). Critics of the current Orange Line argue that the Orange Line Metro has done socio-economic and cultural damage during its construction phase and that it had been poorly planned (Adeel et al 2021) with no regard for an integrated land-use policy (Basheer, Boelens, and Bijl 2020). The present metro has been constructed above ground, with some sections being dug underground via the cut and cover method due to cost-effectiveness (Basheer, Boelens, and Bijl 2020).…”

“…Proponents of the Green Line BRT argue that it provides a cost-effective system compared to the construction of urban rail in the form of an LRT or Metro Rail, which would have improved the traffic congestion issue as well (Kepaptsoglou et al 2020;ADB 2008). In addition, it would increase commercial and residential development and minimize the duplication of transport routes (ADB 2008;Adeel et al 2021). Similarly, it would offer an environmentally sustainable, reliable, dependable, and dignified means of public travel.…”

“…It is a step further in realizing the core public transport corridors of the city. With its dedicated right of way, travel time will be significantly reduced for passengers traveling from one end of the city to the other (Adeel et al 2021). Furthermore, without its construction, a wellintegrated public transport system with the Green Line metro bus and the LTC buses that serve the whole city would be more challenging to achieve.…”

Linkages between Typologies of Existing Urban Development Patterns and Human Vulnerability to Heat Stress in Lahore

“…With a remarkable heterogeneity in terms of development patterns and socio-economic conditions across its nine administrative districts, the city covers an area of 1772 km 2 [67]. Lahore has exponentially expanded upon its rich cultural heritage, creating a thriving base for economic activities, driven by business, industry, trade, and education [6].…”

“…Urban areas cover 2% of the surface of the globe; however, they are responsible for 70% of climate changes [3]. Moreover, the concentration of economic activities, enormous traffic volumes, and disregard for urban green planning are pressing issues faced by many cities in the developing world [6]. Consequently, these anthropogenic changes have made cities increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts [3].…”