Principles of Station Area Analysis
WALK
This criterion refers to the atmosphere of the walking spaces in and around a transit station. In order to receive a good score, these areas must be safe and adequately link all buildings and be accessible to all people. There needs to be lots to do and lots to see around the station, including shops, restaurants, and housing. The area must also have a comfortable atmosphere, which can be accomplished by providing trees and pathways.
CYCLE
In many cities, cycling is a popular and affordable way of getting around. In order for a transportation hub to be useful for all patrons, the streets surrounding it need to be safe for cyclists, with separated bike lanes or bike traffic rules. The station—and the buildings around the station—must also have adequate bike parking, offering facilities where people can lock up and protect their bikes while they’re absent.
CONNECT
Connect refers both the connected network of streets and pathways surrounding the transit station, and to the availability of connections between modes of transportation. Good connections mean that the distance between pathways and within pathways (e.x.: the length of city blocks) are short and as direct as possible. Routes for walking and cycling should also be shorter than routes for motor vehicles.
TRANSIT
This criterion refers to the variety of transportation methods available around the station. The method of measurement concerns whether or not all modes of transportation are within walking distance. Since we were grading the stations specifically, this criterion only applied to Union Station.
SHIFT
Shift refers to the shift away from motor vehicles and toward public transportation. Station areas should have minimal space devoted to the passage and storage of motor vehicles.
11 Station Area Analyis
A station area development evaluation taken from ITDP's TOD Standard 2.0, guide to Transit Oriented Development