AIR QUALITY AT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION STATIONS/STOPS: CONTRIBUTION OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT TO REDUCE AIR POLLUTION IN ADDIS ABABA
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Date
2019-06
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EiABC
Abstract
This study portrayed air quality at public transportation stations/stops: contribution of Light Rail Transit to reduce air pollution in Addis Ababa. In this regard,the current transportation air pollution research documents indicates that increased risks for exposure of asthma and other respiratory diseases, and cancers populations residing close proximity to roadways. The purpose of the researcher was to know the air quality at LRT, bus, taxi and bus/taxi stations by air tracking device, and health effect at sampled public transportation stations. Air quality data include particulate matter (PM), air quality index (AQI), CO2, humidity and temperature with 30 minutes observation by Air-Visual pro for each 24 sampled stations from North to South LRT line. The data were collected by using questionnaires, interviews and measurements at 24 purposively selected bus, LRT, taxi and bus /taxi stations at peak and off peak hours. All data obtained by primary data gathering instruments were analyzed with qualitative and quantitative method. Air quality data and health questionnaires analyzed in quantitative approach with regression, tables, graphs and percentage whereas, interviews and personal observation analyzed and interpreted in qualitative manner. The result suggested that the location and design of bus stops and shelter orientation is found to have a significant effect on the concentration of AQI, PM and CO2. It was observed that shelters with an opening oriented towards the roadway had consistently higher concentrations inside the bus shelter than unsheltered stops. Regarding this, 30 persons questioned at each stations, 720 in total to know the health effect of persons living/working in and around the stations. The findings indicate that out of 720 respondents, 324 (45%) were exposed for air quality related diseases residing and working close proximity to the stations. Based on the findings, air quality at public transportation stations is unhealthy, above an average of 65μg/m3 PM2.5 and 150 AQI at bus and taxi stations during peak hour. LRT stations have below 25μg/m3 PM2.5 and 70 AQI. This indicates that LRT contributed 40.63μg/m3 PM2.5 and 81.88 AQI reduction of air pollution at sampled stations daily. It is hoped this study will inform stakeholders to harmonize between transportation and land-use. Institutionalizing transportation and health, transport policy should focus on High Occupancy Vehicles and expansion of Light Rail Transit in Addis Ababa.
air quality index (AQI), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), public transportation, LRT, bus shelter,station design, health.
Description
This thesis is submitted to Ethiopian Institute of Architecture, Building Construction and City Development (EiABC), Addis Ababa University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Urban Planning
Keywords
air quality index (AQI), carbon dioxide (CO2), particulate matter PM2.5, PM10), public transportation, LRT, bus shelter, station design, health