Evaluating External Network in the Catchment Area of Metro Interchange: Case City, New Delhi

Ensuring good accessibility at metro interchanges is crucial for creating an efficient, user-friendly public transportation network. Metro systems are extensively used as they help reduce journey times, making them essential for urban commuters. Assessing the performance of transport infrastructure and understanding user behavior provides valuable insights for policymaking and investment decisions. Traditional evaluation methods often rely on individual indicators, which can fail to capture the multidimensional nature of transportation systems. Metro interchanges are carefully planned to enhance connectivity and streamline networks, acting as essential hubs where passengers can switch between routes or directions to reduce travel time and increase flexibility. This study aims to develop a comprehensive assessment that identifies the key parameters influencing the choice of interchange stations over standard nodal stations, taking a holistic approach to transportation systems. A critical aspect of this analysis is last-mile connectivity—how effectively passengers can complete their journeys after leaving the metro network. This factor is essential for a robust public transportation system as it ensures passengers can reach their final destinations smoothly. Using SPSS software, the study evaluates important parameters through various statistical models, including logit models and factor analysis, using data collected from four metro interchange stations in Delhi. User feedback was gathered to rate the quality of service for each parameter, allowing for a detailed analysis of service levels. The findings offer valuable insights for planners, transportation authorities, and metro operators by pinpointing areas for improvement in interchange accessibility and user experience. By identifying parameters such as access distance, dispersal time, and interchange time, the study highlights factors that can enhance the overall effectiveness and functionality of metro interchanges. Ultimately, this research provides a comprehensive framework for evaluating metro interchange connectivity, covering dimensions of effectiveness, functionality, and user experience, to guide future improvements in urban transit systems.