The urbanization challenges in the megacities of Pakistan necessitate the implementation of comprehensive sustainable development practices to effectively address contemporary urban issues. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is a globally accepted device in achieving sustainable urban development through transport and land use integration. Evaluating the levels of TOD built in present conditions is essential for productive TOD planning, as it enables the prioritization of development interferences. In this context, we utilized a methodology to evaluate the levels of TOD (TOD-ness) present near transportation nodes through a TOD index. It utilizes ArcGIS and spatial multi-criteria analysis (SMCA) to determine the extent of TOD-supporting qualities around a transit node and identifies areas for potential improvements in transit orientation. The methodology was executed in the megacity of Lahore, situated in Pakistan. A TOD index was computed for areas surrounding the 26 LRT and 27 BRT stations along two existing corridors. The findings suggest that the TOD concept is feasible for Pakistani megacities, and urban decision makers can utilize the TOD index results to facilitate urban- or regional-level planning, funding, and investment policies. Furthermore, these findings offer valuable insights into the transportation obstacles and potential opportunities in similar developing cities in South Asia.

This study addresses the construction of high-quality rural landscapes, crucial for China’s rural revitalization strategy, encompassing economic, social, cultural, and ecological dimensions. Focusing on 66 cold-region villages in Heilongjiang Province, it develops a dual-dimensional quality evaluation system that integrates both objective data and subjective perception indicators. It employs the entropy weight TOPSIS model to evaluate and grade the quality of rural landscapes and uses fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) to analyze the complex causal relationships influencing high-quality rural landscapes. The results show that (1) The TOPSIS model identifies four grades of rural landscape quality: “Excellent-Good-Average-Poor”, with “Excellent and Good” grades defined as high-quality rural landscape. (2) The fsQCA reveals eight configuration paths that influence high-quality rural landscapes, which are categorized into four models: natural ecology, efficient industry, cultural heritage, and comprehensive development. The main contribution of this study lies in its systematic analysis of the complex causal relationships affecting rural landscape quality, providing a theoretical and technological foundation for guiding the sustainable development of cold-region rural landscapes within the framework of rural revitalization strategy in China.

This research investigates how the Lahore Metrobus system (MBS) influences perceptions of urban space quality through the lens of urban design and transport infrastructure. Lahore is undergoing significant urban changes with the introduction of a newly constructed mass transit system, which thus necessitates a joint development strategy to preserve its cultural heritage. Recent evolutions in transport planning has heightened the interest in analyzing the way mobility factors affect the perceptions of a place’s quality. The gap in previous work lies in the limited focus on qualitative, human-centered perspectives regarding the impacts of public projects like the MBS on urban space quality. This study uniquely fills this void by examining the influence of the MBS on people’s lives and the quality of urban spaces. Comparing pre- and post-Metrobus scenarios, along with questionnaire surveys of riders and shopkeepers, exposes the neglect of the social image during design and construction. The system was implemented with a focus solely on hard, core infrastructure, thereby neglecting soft components such as area development, social and cultural value, and human-centered design. The government should unite transport agencies, stakeholders, and the public to craft a joint policy for enhancing revenue, ridership, and fostering transit-oriented development (TOD). Research findings will help in achieving social and cultural sustainability for upcoming transport lines in Pakistan, as well as directions for other developing nations looking to implement mass transit networks.