PATTERNS OF FORMATION AND MOVEMENT OF PEDESTRIAN FLOWS IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT STOP AREAS

Abstract

The article analyzes the patterns of formation and movement of pedestrian flows within the areas of influence of public transport stops. The factors affecting the composition and intensity of pedestrian movements in stop areas are examined, including the configuration of pedestrian zones, passenger flow intensity, the organization of boarding and alighting processes, and the presence of infrastructural elements. The interaction between pedestrians approaching transport, passengers alighting from vehicles, and transit pedestrians moving along sidewalks is considered. Particular attention is paid to the formation of local zones of increased pedestrian density and bottlenecks within stop areas. A pedestrian flow model is proposed that enables the assessment of pedestrian flow intensity, the capacity of pedestrian zones, and the parameters of passenger accumulation areas. Purpose. The aim of this study is to investigate the features of the formation and movement of pedestrian flows within the areas of influence of public transport stops, taking into account planning and operational factors. The methodological framework of the research is based on the theory of transport and pedestrian flows, system analysis methods, and mathematical modeling. Analytical approaches are applied to establish relationships between key pedestrian movement parameters: flow intensity, density, and walking speed. The structure of pedestrian flows in stop zones is analyzed, including passengers approaching transport, passengers alighting from vehicles, and transit pedestrians. The interaction between these flows is evaluated using a conflict coefficient. Methods for determining the capacity of pedestrian zones and calculating the required width of pedestrian spaces are also applied. Results. The results of the study demonstrate that complex pedestrian flow structures are formed within public transport stop areas, including movements associated with boarding, alighting, and transit along sidewalks. The key factors influencing pedestrian flow parameters are identified, such as the configuration of stop areas, the width of pedestrian zones, passenger flow intensity, and the presence of infrastructural elements. The processes of bottleneck formation and pedestrian congestion are investigated. The developed model makes it possible to determine total and effective pedestrian flow intensity, assess the capacity of pedestrian zones, identify the critical number of pedestrian lanes, and calculate the required width of pedestrian spaces. In addition, the model allows the estimation of passenger accumulation areas within boarding zones. Scientific novelty. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the development of an approach to modeling pedestrian flows in public transport stop areas that takes into account the interaction of three main flows: passengers approaching transport, passengers alighting from vehicles, and transit pedestrians. The model for assessing pedestrian flow parameters is improved through the introduction of a conflict coefficient, which makes it possible to account for the mutual interference of flows and its impact on the capacity of pedestrian zones. An approach for determining the critical number of pedestrian lanes and the required width of pedestrian zones is proposed, taking into consideration pedestrian comfort parameters. Practical relevance. The practical significance of the results lies in the possibility of applying the proposed model to justify engineering and planning solutions in the design and reconstruction of public transport stops and adjacent pedestrian areas. The approach allows forecasting pedestrian flow intensity, determining optimal parameters of pedestrian zones, and assessing the capacity of pedestrian infrastructure. The implementation of the proposed solutions contributes to improving the efficiency of urban transport systems, enhancing traffic safety, and creating comfortable conditions for passenger movement.