DESIRE LINE PATTERN AND PUBLIC TRANSIT USAGE STUDY AT PENNYA AREA IN BANGALORE

Study investigates the desire lines and public transit usage in the Pennya area in Bangalore, with the aim of understanding traffic movement patterns and their implications for optimizing public transportation. A desire line is an informal route traffic take when they seek the most direct, efficient path between two locations, often deviating from established pathways. By analyzing desire lines in conjunction with public transit patterns, this work aims to identify potential improvements in urban design, traffic infrastructure, and public transportation systems to enhance connectivity and mobility in the region. Bangalore, a rapidly growing urban center, faces challenges related to congestion, inefficient transit systems, and traffic safety. Pennya, located in the northern part of the city, presents a unique case study due to its combination of residential, commercial, and industrial areas. The study employed a mixed-method approach that included mapping desire lines through GPS tracking and direct observation, as well as gathering data on public transit usage through surveys and collaboration with the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC). Key metrics such as bus routes, ridership, and stop locations were examined to understand the relationship between traffic movement and transit accessibility. The findings reveal significant gaps between traffic desire lines and existing infrastructure, particularly in high-density areas where people frequently deviate from designated paths. In many instances, the formal traffic routes do not align with the natural movement patterns of residents, leading to inefficiencies in both travelling by own vehicle and transit usage. Additionally, the analysis of public transit routes and bus stop locations highlights areas where transit services are either underutilized or not well-integrated with traffic flow. For instance, certain high-traffic traffic routes are not served by bus stops or have limited bus frequency during peak hours, leading to missed opportunities for seamless multi-modal transport.