Extended Abstract
Background and Objectives: Along with the emergence of the industrial revolution in the 18th century and the rapid growth of urbanization, many challenges for policymakers and planners in formulating urban management strategies arose. Among these challenges is the integrated and coordinated planning of urban development along with the development of public transportation in cities. To solve this problem, transit oriented development (TOD) is emphasized. This model, by preventing urban sprawl, aims to achieve sustainable development, which ultimately brings many positive economic, physical, and environmental effects to cities. The experiences of other countries in this regard also indicate a reduction in urban residents’ dependency on private cars. This study, by providing a brief review of the theoretical foundations of the subject and examining similar research, seeks to implement TOD principles in the surrounding areas of selected bus stations in the city of Shiraz. The bus fleet, as the most important public transportation mode in Iran, which is not dependent on specific routes and has lower establishment costs compared to other modes of public transportation, has been neglected. While,  most of domestic studies in the field of TOD focus on metro stations (mass transit). Furthermore, the bus network in Shiraz has evolved over time based on temporary needs and demand-driven approaches, aiming to provide services in line with the city’s physical and population growth. However, for various reasons, it currently accounts for a small share of urban transportation. Therefore, to increase the role of bus services in intra-city transportation, and in parallel with strengthening Transit-Oriented Development (TOD), the bus stations of Shiraz have been selected for study. So,This research aims to investigate the degree of adaptation of peripheral developments of selected bus stations in Shiraz with TOD principles by using SAW and TOPSIS methods, and provide effective solutions to upgrade and improve the condition of the surrounding areas of selected bus stations in Shiraz city.
Methods: The present study is considered an applied research, as it seeks to improve an urban infrastructure. Both library and field methods were used to collect information and data for this research. The research process begins with identifying the dimensions and indicators of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) by considering the frequency of indicators used in similar studies and preparing a questionnaire to determine the weight of the indicators. The sampling method used in this research is the snowball method. This method is used to identify experts in the field of TOD (Transit-Oriented Development). The weight of the indicators are also calculated using the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP Fuzzy) method. Next, the value of each indicator in each area is measured using GIS software, and finally, the area with the highest alignment with TOD principles is identified using the SAW method. In the end, the most optimal area in each dimension is determined using the TOPSIS method. The significance of this work lies in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of each area based on the TOD dimensions and providing suitable solutions for each area.
Findings: The findings of this research lead to the identification and prioritization of the most important indicators used in studies related to Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Additionally, the level of alignment between the development surrounding selected bus stations in Shiraz and TOD principles, as well as their strengths and weaknesses in each dimension, are identified. Ultimately, this research revealed that, despite appropriate policymaking, the areas surrounding bus stations in the city of Shiraz have not experienced desirable development.
Conclusion: Overall, the results of this study show that the areas surrounding the Shahid Dastgheyb, Valiasr, and Namazi bus stations have the highest level of alignment with TOD principles, respectively. The indicators of Entropy, density of existing metro stations and bus stops in the area and Average cost of land and buildings are identified as the most important factors influencing the implementation of TOD. Among the various dimensions of TOD, the dimensions of diversity and design are the most significant. The study also highlights that most TOD research has focused on metro stations, neglecting bus stations despite their importance in the urban transportation system. As a result, many weaknesses were found in this area, indicating the need for further attention and research.