Walking to the Transit Stop: Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi

Yara Al Salahat; Hajar Muhsenah; Rim Anabtawi; Aisha Osman Haj; Wedad Alyammahi; Martin Scoppa

doi:10.1007/978-3-031-76096-9_22

Walking to the Transit Stop: Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi

Yara Al Salahat, Hajar Muhsenah, Rim Anabtawi, Aisha Osman Haj, Wedad Alyammahi, Martin Scoppa

Department of Architectural Engineering

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Abstract

This research presents a quantitative analysis of the implementation of street connectivity policies in a proposed Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) project overseen by Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC). The study’s main objective is to evaluate the accessibility of street networks in facilitating sustainable modes of transportation and interconnecting low-density residential areas with diverse transit systems. These systems encompass buses, trams, speed rail, and metros, all of which are integral components of the comprehensive transportation plan for the Capital District project. The researchers deployed the Multiple Centrality Assessment (MCA), specifically, Reach and Gravity metrics. The study examines twelve neighborhoods within the proposed Capital District. The results indicate that a 400-m radius does not adequately meet the requirements for connecting all residential plots to transit stops. Only two neighborhoods demonstrate that more than 50% of their plots are accessible to at least one transit stop. However, expanding the analysis to an 800-m walkability radius yields more positive outcomes. Nevertheless, residential plots in these neighborhoods still face challenges in establishing accessible connections to transit stops. Based on the findings, the study provides recommendations to policymakers and project developers to enhance better present plans that bridge the gap between mega developments plans and reality. In conclusion, the paper underscores the current shortcomings in the projection of plans that don’t seem to be narrative only and can’t be applicable within the Capital District. It emphasizes the pressing need to address these issues not only narratively but also practically to foster sustainable transportation systems before implementation and align with the walkability standards articulated in Abu Dhabi's sustainability vision.

Original language	English
Title of host publication	Urban and Transit Planning (Vol 1)
Subtitle of host publication	Strategies, Innovations and Climate Management
Editors	Francesco Alberti, Simon Elias Bibri, Cristina Piselli, Paola Gallo, Abraham R. Matamanda, Hamid Rabiei, Rosa Romano, Ayse Ozcan Buckley
Publisher	Springer Nature
Pages	259-271
Number of pages	13
ISBN (Print)	9783031760952
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-76096-9_22
Publication status	Published - 2025
Event	8th International Conference on Urban Planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development, UPADSD 2023 - Florence, Italy Duration: Oct 24 2023 → Oct 26 2023

Publication series

Name	Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation
ISSN (Print)	2522-8714
ISSN (Electronic)	2522-8722

Conference

Conference	8th International Conference on Urban Planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development, UPADSD 2023
Country/Territory	Italy
City	Florence
Period	10/24/23 → 10/26/23

Keywords

Multiple centrality assessment
Network analysis
Transit-oriented development
UAE urbanization

ASJC Scopus subject areas

Architecture
Environmental Chemistry
Renewable Energy, Sustainability and the Environment

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Access to Document

10.1007/978-3-031-76096-9_22

Cite this

Al Salahat, Y., Muhsenah, H., Anabtawi, R., Haj, A. O., Alyammahi, W., & Scoppa, M. (2025). Walking to the Transit Stop: Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi. In F. Alberti, S. E. Bibri, C. Piselli, P. Gallo, A. R. Matamanda, H. Rabiei, R. Romano, & A. Ozcan Buckley (Eds.), Urban and Transit Planning (Vol 1): Strategies, Innovations and Climate Management (pp. 259-271). (Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation). Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-76096-9_22

Walking to the Transit Stop: Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi. / Al Salahat, Yara; Muhsenah, Hajar; Anabtawi, Rim et al.
Urban and Transit Planning (Vol 1): Strategies, Innovations and Climate Management. ed. / Francesco Alberti; Simon Elias Bibri; Cristina Piselli; Paola Gallo; Abraham R. Matamanda; Hamid Rabiei; Rosa Romano; Ayse Ozcan Buckley. Springer Nature, 2025. p. 259-271 (Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation).

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution

Al Salahat, Y, Muhsenah, H, Anabtawi, R, Haj, AO, Alyammahi, W & Scoppa, M 2025, Walking to the Transit Stop: Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi. in F Alberti, SE Bibri, C Piselli, P Gallo, AR Matamanda, H Rabiei, R Romano & A Ozcan Buckley (eds), Urban and Transit Planning (Vol 1): Strategies, Innovations and Climate Management. Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation, Springer Nature, pp. 259-271, 8th International Conference on Urban Planning and Architectural Design for Sustainable Development, UPADSD 2023, Florence, Italy, 10/24/23. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-76096-9_22

Al Salahat Y, Muhsenah H, Anabtawi R, Haj AO, Alyammahi W, Scoppa M. Walking to the Transit Stop: Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi. In Alberti F, Bibri SE, Piselli C, Gallo P, Matamanda AR, Rabiei H, Romano R, Ozcan Buckley A, editors, Urban and Transit Planning (Vol 1): Strategies, Innovations and Climate Management. Springer Nature. 2025. p. 259-271. (Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation). doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-76096-9_22

Al Salahat, Yara ; Muhsenah, Hajar ; Anabtawi, Rim et al. / Walking to the Transit Stop : Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi. Urban and Transit Planning (Vol 1): Strategies, Innovations and Climate Management. editor / Francesco Alberti ; Simon Elias Bibri ; Cristina Piselli ; Paola Gallo ; Abraham R. Matamanda ; Hamid Rabiei ; Rosa Romano ; Ayse Ozcan Buckley. Springer Nature, 2025. pp. 259-271 (Advances in Science, Technology and Innovation).

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Walking to the Transit Stop: Measuring Non-motorized Accessibility to Transit Infrastructure in the Residential Neighborhoods of the Capital District Project in Abu Dhabi

Abstract

Publication series

Conference

Keywords

ASJC Scopus subject areas

UN SDGs

Access to Document

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Cite this