Towards a Healthy Ride: Locating Public Toilets in the Shanghai Metro System

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-1-2018

Abstract

Research on metro systems has been a multi-faceted field ranging from the accessibility of the networks to passengers’ utilities gained from their riding experience. In addition to issues of affordability, safety, and intermodal connectivity, a critical aspect to enhance metro riders’ experience is through non-travel related in-station facilities, such as food vendors, seating areas, elevators, handicap equipment, and public toilets. An understated area in the metro system planning is the placement of public toilets that provide passengers with sufficient sanitary services. To this end, the study identifies the shortage of public toilets in the Shanghai Metro and then proposes a network-based location model to improve the service coverage. The model has been applied to three planning scenarios under which construction efforts and transit stations are considered. By considering this unique location problem in a large metro system, this paper demonstrates a valuable example of developing transportation systems to fulfill the needs of not only accessibility but also public health. This effort is of great significance to inform city planners and stakeholders of necessitating sanitary services in sustainable mass transit development.

DOI

10.1007/s12061-016-9213-3

First Page

381

Last Page

395

Volume

11

Issue

2

Publication Title

Applied Spatial Analysis and Policy

ISSN

1874-463X

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