Typology of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at Metro Stations on Isfahan's Southern Line 1 Using the Node-Place-System Support Model

Typology of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at Metro Stations on Isfahan's Southern Line 1 Using the Node-Place-System Support Model
ABSTRACT
In recent years, cities have become the primary habitats for humans, with sustainable urbanization emerging as a major concern for modern settlements. Transit-oriented development (TOD) has been introduced as a critical strategy for integrating transportation systems with land use in sustainable planning. A new area of focus within TOD is its categorization, which addresses local variations to create tailored policies and programs for urban development. This study employs a descriptive-analytical method to categorize TOD within a 500-meter radius of seven metro stations in the southern section of Isfahan’s Metro Line 1 using the node-place-supportive system model. The goal is to evaluate the integration of transportation and land use systems and provide location-specific recommendations for advancing TOD in Isfahan. Key indicators for categorization were identified through a literature review, followed by data collection via library research and field studies. The stations were analyzed based on these indicators, and the node, place, and supportive system dimensions were calculated for each, forming the basis of the categorization. Results indicate that transport and land use are balanced around Si-o-Se Pol, Kargar, and University stations, while Azadi, Defa-e Moghaddas, and Kuy-e Imam stations are dominated by transportation and Shariati stations by land use. Overall, five distinct TOD categories were identified in the southern section of Isfahan’s first metro line
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Urban communities face significant challenges due to the growing reliance on private vehicles and the scarcity of environmental resources, which impede sustainable development. The Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) approach addresses these issues by integrating public transportation with land use and fostering compact, mixed-use environments that offer pedestrian and bicycle-friendly access to transit stations. This strategy considers local variations and supports planners in effectively advancing TOD principles. In Isfahan, rising traffic congestion has amplified interest in TOD. The development of Metro Line 1 presents a unique opportunity to reduce car dependency and promote sustainable urban growth. This study categorizes TOD at seven metro stations along Line 1 in Isfahan and provides practical recommendations for fully implementing TOD principles.
 
Methodology
This applied research employs a descriptive-analytical method, focusing on categorizing Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at metro stations to enhance station area planning. Relevant indicators were initially derived from theoretical foundations and then screened based on criteria such as data accessibility, recency, and relevance. The data required for this study included census statistics, reports, revised master plan maps, and metro data from the Isfahan Urban Railway Organization. An extended version of Bertolini's categorization model was applied for data analysis, introducing a new dimension called "System." The Node-Place-System Support (NPS) model evaluates three dimensions: transportation, land use, and system support. Data analysis and final categorization were carried out using ArcMap and Excel software. Finally, after processing the data using Shannon's entropy method in eight stages, the position of each station in the three dimensions of the NPS model was determined, and station categorization was established using 3D charts.
 
 
Results and Discussion
The primary aim of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is to create urban environments that are both accessible and sustainable by effectively integrating land use and transportation systems. A key aspect of achieving TOD is ensuring that major destinations are within a walkable distance of public transit stations—typically within 500 meters. This study applies the Node-Place-System Support (NPS) model to assess metro stations along Line 1 in Isfahan, focusing on three critical dimensions: Node, Place, and System Support.
The results of the analysis categorize the stations as follows:
Si-o-Se Pol Station scores 0.89 for Node, 0.60 for Place, and 1.00 for System Support, placing it in the N-P- category. This suggests a balanced system that, although stable, has limited potential for further expansion.
Shariati Station has scores of 0.16 for Node, 1.00 for Place, and 0.54 for System Support, falling into the N- category. This indicates an imbalance where land use has been overdeveloped while public transport infrastructure is insufficient to meet demand.
Azadi Station, characterized by an overdeveloped transport infrastructure, falls into the N+ category. It requires more diverse land uses to complement its transport systems effectively.
Daneshgah and Kargar Stations fall into the NP category, demonstrating effective transportation and land use coordination. These stations are well-balanced in terms of land use and transport integration, showing strong potential for sustainable development.
Koye Emam Station also fits within the N+ category, indicating a need to increase land use diversity and mix to enhance the station's functionality and surrounding area.
Defa-e-Moghadas Station, which shows low land use development and public transport capacity scores, is categorized as P-. This highlights the station's need for significant infrastructure and public transport capacity improvements.
These findings emphasize the importance of tailored development strategies for each station, taking into account their specific contexts and needs to improve TOD effectiveness and contribute to sustainable urban growth.
 
Conclusion
This study utilizes the Node-Place-System Support (NPS) model to evaluate Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) at metro stations along Line 1 in Isfahan. The findings highlight that each station requires unique strategies to optimize development. Specifically:
Si-o-Se Pol Station needs to maintain a balance between land use and public transport to preserve its stability.
Shariati Station requires better integration between land use and transport infrastructure to address the current imbalance.
Azadi Station should diversify its land use to complement its overdeveloped transport infrastructure effectively.
Daneshgah and Kargar Stations should continue to enhance their coordination between transportation and land use, leveraging their strong potential for sustainable development.
Koye Emam Station needs to increase land use diversity and mix to enhance its functionality and the surrounding area.
Defa-e-Moghadas Station requires significant improvements in amenities, infrastructure, and safe pedestrian pathways to boost both land use development and public transport capacity.
For further advancements in TOD, future studies should explore the impact of local cultural and economic factors, develop hybrid models, and examine the potential role of emerging technologies.,
incorporating community engagement and stakeholder collaboration can provide more comprehensive strategies tailored to the unique needs of each station area. By addressing these factors, Isfahan can more effectively implement TOD principles, leading to sustainable urban growth and reduced dependency on private vehicles.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of this article. Each author has reviewed and approved the content of the manuscript and is in agreement with all aspects of the work. The authors declare that there are no competing interests.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
We are grateful to all the scientific consultants who contributed to this paper.