Sustainable Transportation Assessment Index (SusTAIN) Framework for Mixed-Use Neighborhoods in India

Abstract

Neighborhood sustainability assessment (NSA) systems assess neighborhood sustainability through different themes. Most NSA systems originated from developed countries, with limitations in assessing micro-level transportation infrastructure. The NSA systems lack alignment with Indian regulations and policies and have limitations in assessing informal transportation modes, affordability, and street-vending-related issues. This research developed the sustainable transportation assessment index (SusTAIN) framework to assess mixed-use neighborhoods in India and overcome the limitations of NSA systems. The method was to identify and evaluate qualitative and quantitative indicators and sub-indicators from NSA systems, Indian transportation regulations and policies, and transportation system studies from the literature. Indicators were integrated into the four subthemes of (i) accessibility, (ii) mobility nodes and network, (iii) external factors associated with mobility, and (iv) land-use and socioeconomic factors’ assessment. The authors evaluated the framework through the Geographical Information System (GIS), site surveys, and benchmark values from the literature. This research demonstrated the interrelationship of indicators and the sub-indicators between them. Finally, the authors discussed the SusTAIN composite index formation method. The framework is vital for the local application of national sustainable urban development policies. The SusTAIN framework application enables local governments to evaluate the transportation sustainability of neighborhoods and identify potential optimization areas.