MEASURING PERCEPTIONS OF METRO-LED PLACEMAKING: A QUESTIONNAIRE-BASED ANALYSIS FROM LUCKNOW METRO

Abstract

Metro rail systems are increasingly promoted in India as solutions to urban congestion and as engines of sustainable mobility. Yet their potential role as placemaking catalysts, transforming transit nodes into vibrant public spaces, remains underexplored. This paper investigates user perceptions of metro-led placemaking in Lucknow, a mid-tier Indian city, through a structured questionnaire survey of 450 respondents. The study operationalizes placemaking into five measurable dimensions: accessibility, comfort and safety, sociability, identity, and vibrancy. Findings reveal that accessibility and safety are the strongest predictors of overall satisfaction, while sociability, identity, and vibrancy scored considerably lower, reflecting the limited evolution of stations into inclusive civic spaces. Gendered differences emerged, with women consistently reporting lower safety ratings, while younger users valued vibrancy and sociability more than older respondents. Factor and regression analyses validated the five-dimensional framework, demonstrating its robustness for capturing user-centered evaluations of metro systems. The results highlight the need for policies that extend beyond functional efficiency to prioritize equity, inclusivity, and cultural integration in transit precincts. By centering user voices, this study contributes to a more holistic understanding of sustainable mobility and positions metro systems as potential civic anchors in the transformation of India’s urban landscape.