Factors Affecting Walkability in the Belt Environment of Sargodha City

Abstract

In the recent past, motorized modes of transport, especially single/dual occupancy modes of transport, i.e. car, motorbike, etc., are being considered a liability in transportation systems worldwide as they have several environmental, social, and health issues related to them. Our cities transportation system largely depends upon single/dual occupancy mode of transport, and there is a dire need of introducing more sustainable transportation patterns. We can achieve this goal if we take a fresh start by aligning our efforts, i.e. policies, infrastructure development, and public awareness programs, towards a sustainable transportation model in our cities. One of the key impediments in achieving sustainability goals for our cities is transportation sustainability. We can achieve this by adapting three transportation modes, i.e. walking, bicycling, and public transit. Combining these three transport modes can make an effective transportation system that can be sustainable environmentally and economically. At the same time, it will have social and health benefits for citizens. The study mainly focuses on analysing the existing Built environment, i.e. pedestrian walkways, Street lights, Public transport services, etc., of Sargodha city and thus formulating a scale for measuring transportation sustainability for cities of Pakistan. The study will formulate/devise practices and policies to be implemented by the City administration to achieve sustainable transportation. Literature review, interviews, analysis of existing infrastructure, and current practices will be Baseline for establishing a scale for measuring transportation sustainability. The other part of the research is the study of 380 questionnaire surveys, which will identify the facilities and barriers in adopting Walkability as the mode of transportation. Mean Value method and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) will be utilised for said purpose