Are Transit-Oriented Development and Travel Characteristics Influencing Residential Dissonance? Analysis From a Developing Country’s Perspective

The success of transit-oriented development (TOD) could hinge on reduced residential dissonance among the people living in TOD neighborhoods. Understanding the factors that could be associated with residential dissonance would be crucial in different contexts. Therefore, this study focused on exploring the various factors, such as TOD indicators, travel, and socio-demographic characteristics, that could influence the level of dissatisfaction of people living in TODs in Hyderabad, India. An ordered logit model was developed, which used data collected from primary as well as secondary sources. Results showed negative impacts of gender (male) and income on levels of dissatisfaction about neighborhoods, prompting policy interventions to address the disparities in gender and income groups. Further, it outlined the need to fulfill the varying requirements of larger households to reduce the dissonance. The roles of density, horizontal land-use diversity, and proximity to transit are very significant in improving living-satisfaction levels among people in TODs. More findings suggested the need for well-designed and maintained public spaces to address concerns related to safety and security and improve levels of satisfaction with TOD neighborhoods. The study also suggested that travel distances for educational trips, trip frequencies for work and shopping, and the use of private vehicles for work trips have positive influences on residential dissonance. It would be important to look for ways to provide convenient and sustainable alternative modes along with compact and diverse development, even though a longer commute may be acceptable.