Accessibility in Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Areas: A Case Study of the Copenhagen Metropolitan Area

Urbanization, a defining aspect of modern economic development, reflects humanity’s growing tendency to seek connection and opportunity in urban spaces. Cities, as centers of social, cultural, and economic life, attract individuals with promises of access to education, work, green spaces, and essentials that foster well-being. However, rapid urban growth raises critical concerns about equity and inclusivity, particularly in ensuring all residents can access the resources they need to thrive. Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) is an innovative approach to urban and transport planning, harmonizing land use and transportation systems to promote public transport and create more livable environments. By prioritizing walkability, cycling, and public transit, TOD fosters connected communities, reduces car dependency, and promotes sustainable lifestyles. TOD can create equitable, resilient urban spaces that focus on the well-being of residents, moving beyond infrastructure to prioritize the lived experience. This thesis, based on my internship at DTU University in Copenhagen, explores TOD's potential in the Copenhagen metropolitan area, focusing on access to education, green spaces, and residential areas. These elements are essential for meeting basic human needs while fostering social equity, community, and belonging. By examining access to education, green spaces, and homes within TOD zones, this study evaluates how well the Copenhagen area, as a TOD case, ensures access to these urban features. Using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for spatial analysis and multi-criteria decision-making, the research identifies significant challenges. Many educational centers, despite their role in empowerment, are outside walkable distances from transit hubs, hindering access. Green spaces, essential for well-being, are unevenly distributed, leaving some neighborhoods without places for recreation. Residential areas often lack connections to transit and essential services, limiting their potential to create integrated, walkable communities. The findings show how TOD influences access to educational centers, green spaces, and residential areas. Educational centers are more accessible in areas with efficient transit, while others face challenges like longer distances and limited connectivity. Green spaces are unevenly distributed, with some areas having ample space but poor access, while others lack natural spaces. Residential areas also vary, with some well-connected to transit and services and others remaining isolated, limiting their potential. These findings stress the need to design TOD to improve access to education, green spaces, and residential areas, leading to more inclusive and sustainable urban environments. In conclusion, this research offers policy recommendations to bridge gaps in accessibility. These include redesigning urban layouts to bring educational facilities within walking distance of transit hubs, expanding green spaces, and better integrating residential areas with public transit networks.