Exploring urban railway station-based attractiveness considering demographic-specific demands: Case study of Odakyu line, Japan

Urban railways play a crucial role in meeting the commuting demands of rapidly growing megacities. In alignment with United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs), integrating sustainable, convenient, and high-quality living environments around railway stations presents a significant challenge for urban planners and railway operators. This study introduces an innovative method for quantifying railway station attractiveness by analysing surrounding Points of Interest. Using a major railway line within the Tokyo metropolitan area as a case study, the research extends traditional gravity-based models to account for demographic-specific demands, illuminating the dynamic interactions between stations and diverse passenger groups. The findings reveal a disparity between high ridership levels and station attractiveness, emphasizing the importance of addressing the specific needs of various demographic segments. Accessibility emerges as a critical factor influencing attractiveness, with notable variations across different groups, reflecting their unique priorities and behaviours. These insights highlight the need for targeted strategies to enhance station attractiveness, catering to key demographic groups such as individuals with accessibility requirements and tourists. By prioritising passenger-focused services and improving station environments, this approach contributes significantly to the sustainable development of megacities, reinforcing their commitment to SDGs. • Granular point-of-interest and trajectory data are utilised in modelling. • Demographic-specific demands are incorporated in extended gravity-based models. • There is a disconnection between railway's high ridership and high attractiveness. • Accessibility outweighs diversity in contributing to station attractiveness. • Meeting demographic-specific demands are critical in strengthening attractiveness.