Pedestrian route choice with respect to new lift-only entrances to underground space: Case study of a metro station area in hilly terrain in Hong Kong

The intensive development of the metro system has enabled the building of underground infrastructure that facilitates pedestrian movement from below ground to the surface, and between surface areas. However, it is unclear how willing residents are to use the network of underground spaces of newly built stations as a pedestrian system parallel to the surface street network. This case study investigates an underground pedestrian system connected to cavern-type metro stations in Hong Kong that feature new lift-only entrances in hilly terrain. Based on a face-to-face survey conducted in a new station area of a hilly neighborhood, a binary mixed logit model is developed to estimate the effect of route attributes, trip characteristics, socio-demographics, and walking preferences on the decision to use alternative underground walking routes. Binary choice sets are based on the shortest under- and aboveground paths derived from a three-dimensional pedestrian network, as are alternative-specific variables for distance, estimated walking time, mobility-aid facilities (such as lifts), and walking barriers (such as staircases). The results indicate that route attributes, especially travel time and the existence of a lift-only exit, have an important effect on the intention to use underground routes. The results also show that older adults, the disabled, and those living near stations are more willing to use underground walking routes. These findings can be used by urban/transport planners to support strategies concerned with the future implementation of underground pedestrian networks in three-dimensional multi-layered cities.