New urban developments and commuter rail: Madrid case study

Abstract

This study describes the influence on population and land use of the recent inauguration of commuter rail stations in the metropolitan area of Madrid (Spain) in the period 2000–2011. Population growth in recent residential developments in the vicinity of new commuter rail stations was found to be greater than in comparable areas lacking any urban railway. Moreover, the growth in population near new stations was greater than in the broader study area where they are located, the metropolitan ring of Madrid. The settling of inhabitants nearby is a trend seen to accelerate shortly after inauguration of these new commuter stations. This effect is considerably stronger in the zone nearest the station. Such findings underline the positive influence that a quality public transport system may have on urban development.