Optimisation of Non-Motorised Facilities in Urban Fringe Sheltered Housing Areas: Transport Accessibility and Equity Enhancement Based on Supply and Demand Analysis

Abstract

As affordable housing developments continue to expand toward the urban fringe, limited public transportation connections and extended commuting distances have intensified mobility challenges for residents. Owing to their affordability and flexibility, non-motorized vehicles have become a key solution for bridging the “last mile.” However, the current supply of parking facilities for such vehicles is inadequate, leading to reduced travel efficiency and increased inequality in the distribution of transportation resources. This study examines 13 affordable housing communities on the outskirts of Xi’an, utilizing 473 valid survey responses to develop a supply-demand assessment and travel behavior model. Findings reveal that demand for non-motorized vehicle parking is 1.8 times the current capacity, particularly among low-income and long-distance commuters. In response, the study proposes a set of optimization strategies: dynamic adjustment of parking layouts, implementation of intelligent management systems, enhancement of public transit connectivity, and repurposing of underutilised motor vehicle spaces. The results offer practical insights for promoting transportation equity in peripheral urban areas.