Results in Engineering (Mar 2025)
Actual walking distance vs. Perceived walking distance: Relationship and impact on determining acceptable walking distances to stations of the Bangkok Metro
Abstract
Defining the catchment area around public transport stations is essential in Transit Oriented Development (TOD). Catchment areas are typically determined by the acceptable walking distance (Acceptable_WD), derived from the 80th or 85th percentile of the actual walking distance (Actual_WD) to a station. Due to data collection restrictions, past studies often used the perceived walking distance (Perceived_WD) instead of Actual_WD to determine Acceptable_WD. This approach has been criticized for its potential to inaccurately estimate walking distances — a weakness that can lead planners to miscalculate the true catchment area covered by a transport service. However, in light of the development, availability and ease of use of mobile map applications like Google Maps, travelers may now perceive and estimate distances differently. Additionally, these technologies enable more accurate collection of Actual_WD data.This article aims to determine the Acceptable_WD to metro stations in the Bangkok Metropolitan Region. It also evaluates the relationship between Perceived_WD and Actual_WD, and analyzes the differences between Acceptable_WD determined from Perceived_WD and Acceptable_WD determined from Actual_WD. The results show a strong correlation between Perceived_WD and Actual_WD. On average, Perceived_WD is almost equal to Actual_WD. Acceptable_WD values, based on the 85th percentile of both Actual_WD and Perceived_WD, are therefore nearly identical and are roughly half the typical spacing between metro stations in Bangkok. The study also found relationships between Actual_WD and Acceptable_WD that were influenced by various demographic, trip, and transportation characteristics. These findings provide valuable information for urban and transportation planners who must analyze Acceptable_WD to determine transport catchment areas. When there are limitations on time and cost for gathering data, Perceived_WD can serve as a viable substitute for Actual_WD in the analysis of Acceptable_WD.
