PARK AND RIDE INTEGRATION AND COMMUTER BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS ALONG THE ROUTE OF LAHORE BUS MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM

Abstract

The Punjab government recently developed a mass rapid transit system, Metro Bus, in the provincial capital Lahore. Integration of park and ride facilities with bus transit route and commuter (frequent traveler) behavior analysis along route of transit system was assessed. Current utilization characteristics of park and ride facilities and factors resulting in the underutilization of integrated parking facilities with Bus Transit System were described. Parking Duration/Efficiency, Commuter and Parking User surveys were conducted at park and ride facilities of selected Metro Bus stations. Despite a considerable parking demand, there were many metro bus stations where no park and ride facilities were provided. It was found that only 11% of the commuters used Cars and motorcycles to reach metro bus and 48 % did not use park and ride due to non-familiarity and non-availability of the parking facilities. It was revealed that 50 % of the parking users parked vehicles for less than five hours and 63% users showed dissatisfaction in relation to existing parking facility. It was recommended to integrate Metro Bus ticketing and surveillance system with park and ride system. It was suggested to provide parking facilities at demographically feasible locations like near Gajjumatta metro bus station and to publicize parking facilities along the Metro Bus route.