Operationalisation of transit oriented development standards and requirements in Johor Bahru City Centre

Abstract

Public transit systems are very crucial in mitigating the effects of climate change, especially in a country like Malaysia, where transportation is the second most emitting sector after industry. However, for these systems to reach their full capacity, there must be an integration between urban and land use planning alongside with transportation planning. As part of a national TOD approach in Malaysia, local authorities in Johor Bahru are working on a BRT network. The aim of this study is to evaluate Johor Bahru City Centre based on TOD standards and requirements to identify the best location for a BRT station within. For that purpose, a list of criteria has been developed based on numerous TOD standards and guidelines, especially those focusing on quantitative requirements. Afterwards, the formulated list was operationalised using primary data collection methods like site inventory and observation for the most part. A base map of the study area was generated based on official cadastral and land use maps to show the results of the appraisal. Many deficiencies were found in the study area that could seriously affect the proposed BRT ridership. In general, development intensity, residential land use (more precisely affordable housing) as well as supporting public uses were found to be lower than TOD requirements, with an increase in surface area allocated for parking facilities. However, some places were found to be better in terms of street network design and destination accessibility criteria. Those places enjoyed shorter blocks, more shaded walkways with visually active facade, and were identified as the best location for a BRT station within Johor Bahru City Centre.