Exploring the relationship between land use characteristics and ridership in railway station areas provides crucial decision-making support for station area planning. Previous research has mostly focused on subways, with a lack of studies on the land use characteristics and ridership of commuter rail stations, particularly in relation to the differences and impacts across various passenger catchment areas (PCAs). This study employed a multinomial logit model to evaluate the land use characteristics within 1000 m of Japan Railways (JR) stations in four different PCAs of the Tokyo metropolitan area (TMA). Additionally, regression models and a multiscale geographically weighted regression (MGWR) model were used to analyze how land use characteristics in these PCAs affected station ridership. The key findings were as follows: (1) the land use characteristics around commuter rail stations exhibit distinct zonal patterns; within 250 m, public transport stops and public service facilities are the most densely concentrated; the highest residential population density is found between 250 and 750 m; and commercial facilities are mostly clustered in the 500 to 750 m range; (2) the impact of land use factors on ridership varies in intensity across different spatial zones; the density of public transport stops and street network density is most significant within 250 m, whereas commercial facility density is greatest within the 500–750 m PCA; (3) The land use characteristics within 500 m of stations have greater explanatory power for passenger flow, and the goodness of fit of the MGWR model surpasses that of the linear regression model.

In rapidly urbanizing regions, enhancing passenger comfort in subway systems through sustainable methods is a critical challenge. This study introduces an innovative exploration of the impact of subway entrance geometry on natural ventilation and its subsequent effects on the thermal environment within Cairo’s subway system. The primary objective is to identify optimal entrance configurations that maximize natural airflow, thereby improving passenger comfort and reducing energy consumption. Focusing on the newly constructed segments of the Cairo subway, the research employs a mixed-methods approach that integrates computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations with a questionnaire survey to evaluate interactions between various entrance designs and urban wind flow patterns. This dual approach allows for a comprehensive assessment of how different geometrical configurations influence the capture and distribution of prevailing winds. The results indicate that specific entrance geometries can significantly enhance ventilation efficiency by optimizing wind capture and distribution. The most effective designs demonstrated substantial improvements in air quality and thermal comfort, providing practical insights for subway systems in similar hot arid climates. The novelty of this research lies in its detailed analysis of architectural elements to leverage natural environmental conditions for improving indoor air quality and thermal comfort in public transit systems. The significance of this study is its contribution to the field of sustainable urban transport, offering a valuable framework for urban planners and engineers. By demonstrating how thoughtful design can lead to energy savings and enhanced passenger experiences, this research advances the discourse on sustainable urban infrastructure. This work not only enhances theoretical understanding but also provides actionable recommendations for creating more sustainable and comfortable public transit infrastructures.