Comparative Analysis Based on Cluster Results

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CHAPTER 4: SYNTHESIS

4.1 Identifying Urban Form Driving Factors for Travel Energy

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Table 4.1 Identifying influence of urban form (5Ds) on travel energy consumption based on comparative analysis of cluster results

Figure 4.1 Comparative cluster analysis result

The first Cluster group, which contains 36% of the total number of zones in Fukuoka city and 34% of the total number of wards in Kathmandu city, is characterized by Low residential and lower energy consumption. The results of cluster 1 for both cities showed that the areas having low density (D1) and further away from CBD (D4) are associated with low energy consumption. This cluster meant that as the areas with low residential areas i.e. low density is directly related to trip reduction and consequently reduce energy consumption. In the case of Fukuoka, the areas under this cluster have less land use mix (D2), less road connectivity (D3) and poor transit accessibilities (D5). Whereas, the result of Kathmandu showed that D2, D3 and D5 are greater in the

Kathmandu Fukuoka

D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 Cluster 1- Low

residential and lower energy consumption

Legend

Positive influence of 5Ds on travel energy consumption Negative influence of 5Ds on travel energy consumption

Cluster 2- Highly connected and higher

energy consumption

Cluster 3- Highly compact and lower energy consumption

Fukuoka Comparative Cluster Analysis Result Kathmandu 36%

34%

30%

34%

37%

29%

Cluster 1

Low residential and lower energy

Cluster 2

Highly connected and higher energy consumption

Cluster 3

Highly compact and lower energy consumption

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areas under this cluster. Likewise, the highest shared motorized mode in this cluster is found private vehicle for both cities. In the case of Fukuoka, it might be poor accessibilities to D5, people use their private modes. But in case of Kathmandu, even the D5 is better, private mode is highly used; which highlights that providing transit facility is not sufficient but also requires to attract and encourage people with its quality in service. Even, cluster 1 showed characteristics of lower energy consumption, it could be more energy efficient in the case of Kathmandu by encouraging people to use more transit. Otherwise, increase in D3 in this cluster groups likely increase the use of private modes in Kathmandu.

Cluster 2 is categorized by highly connected and higher energy consumption which contains 34% of the total number of zones in Fukuoka and 37% of the total number of wards in Kathmandu. The interrelationships between urban form, travel behavior and travel energy consumption associated in this cluster group are found almost the same for both Fukuoka and Kathmandu. Among 5Ds, a strong positive input is found for road connectivity (D3). In the case of Kathmandu, D4 also has a strong positive input for energy consumption. This meant that as further away from CBD, road connectivity is better and so, most of the people tend to use private mode for their convenience. Further, this cluster indicates less density (D1), less land use mix (D2) and poor accessibilities to public mode (D5) in both case studies. To reduce energy consumption, in this cluster group, D1 and D2 need to increase in the areas further away from CBD and also need to provide or improve public mode facilities.

Increasing D1 and D2 are long term plans so, to have speedy effect in energy reduction, the short term plans need to be focused. Like, the existing road networks can be facilitated with public vehicles. In the less dense areas, the regular service of minibus/ tempo might be an effective solution to increase public mode and reduce travel energy consumption. Even though, the public mode operated by private sectors, it is felt that it should be managed or monitored by the government. Also, planning policy might be effective to control sprawl urban growth in Kathmandu. It is important to consider that as increase in sprawl development, people tends to own private mode.

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Cluster 3 contains 30% of the total number of zones in Fukuoka and 29% of the total number of wards in Kathmandu, identified as Highly compact and lower energy consumption. This cluster is characterized by a strong input for D1 and D2 that meant higher the density and land use mix, lowered the energy consumption. The cluster results for both cities showed that the areas closer to CBD are highly compact (higher D1 and D2) with less road connectivity (D3) and less energy use. Whereas, the sign associated with D5 is found different for Fukuoka than that of Kathmandu. In the case of Fukuoka, it is reflected that as closer to CBD, development of more compact areas with better transit accessibilities that encourage people to walk, bicycling and use public mode. The highest share of mode in this cluster is found rail followed by non-motorized mode. Whereas, in the case of Kathmandu, even closer to CBD with higher compact areas, transit accessibilities are found very poor. Also, some areas under this cluster showed zero transit accessibility. However, this result is satisfied since the city core was developed as compact and walking city in the ancient time and in present also, access to urban facilities and CBD are at walking distance from the city core.

Though this cluster is identified as the lower energy consumption, the cluster result of Kathmandu showed that the highest share of motorized mode is private vehicle;

especially motorcycle. Kathmandu once a walkable city in the ancient time has turned to motorized city. Even today, the highest share of transport mode is found walk in this cluster whereas among motorized mode motorcycle has the highest share of trips.

This highlights that even the walkable distance or cycling distance, people of Kathmandu highly use motorcycle for travel. It is either the problem of self-decision of people or the deficiencies in urban infrastructure like pedestrian road network, cycling environment and public mode services. It is necessary to flow the message among the people that owning a car or motorcycle is not a symbol of richness and walking does not mean poverty.