URBANISATION, ECONOMICS AND THE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM

Growing through the 70's-80's, the memorable imprints of the fading steam engines, the diesel locomotives, pulling miles of train across terrains, reaching you to distant shores, served as a permanent imprint in my mind. Nevertheless, training as an Architect, mass transit was indeed very far from my planned career trajectory. Fortuitously I also had interest, aptitude and an ever-growing expertise on the infrastructures that underpins our cities, in particular the architecture of the transit systems.  In my almost 3 decades of collaboration on the design of mass transit systems and its extensive basis, I have seized the opportunities to observe, learn & soon design multiple transit systems, across geographies, and time.

Station planning and design is a complex endeavour. It requires a collaborative approach, that leverages the expertise of a diverse range of professionals. Stations are no longer simply transit hubs. They're evolving into vital cornerstones of sustainable communities. This paper delves into the foundation of station design principles, the urban realm that it connects.

Beyond mere transfer points, successful stations become vibrant centres that pulsate with the life of the city. This paper delves into strategies to maximize ridership, such as fostering seamless & enhanced connections and encouraging sustainable commutes through thoughtful design. Financial responsibility is also crucial, ensuring the station's long-term viability and freeing up resources for further development. Ultimately, great design thrives when informed by user & operation needs and factors that enhance user experience and functionality. 

I share my experiences and perspectives in this paper, with the goal of sparking conversation. While this paper is primarily directed at architects and station planners, I hope it will also be of interest to other professionals. 

Corrections and discussions are welcome.