Enhancing safety and accessibility at Karachi’s bus stops: investigating the role of urban design, crime prevention, and public transport

Introduction As Karachi continues to expand into a densely populated megacity, its public transport infrastructure faces increasing pressure, particularly at bus stops, where issues of crime, poor accessibility, and inadequate design are prevalent. This study investigates how the physical environment, infrastructure quality, and environmental indicators influence perceptions of safety and accessibility at bus stops across socio-economically distinct urban areas. Methods The study employed structured surveys and field assessments at bus stops located in three areas of Karachi: Karsaz, Gulshan-e-Iqbal, and Korangi. The analysis focused on perceived safety, accessibility, and compliance with Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, while also examining the influence of demographic factors such as gender, age, and frequency of use. Results Bus stops in higher-income areas showed significantly higher perceived safety and CPTED compliance compared to those in lower-income districts. Women reported greater feelings of insecurity than men, while older users show distinct perception patterns and remained structurally vulnerable despite comparatively higher safety and accessibility ratings. Frequent users expressed greater dissatisfaction with infrastructure conditions, suggesting that repeated exposure increases awareness of design deficiencies. Discussion The findings highlight the combined influence of physical design and social context in shaping commuter experiences at bus stops. The study emphasizes the importance of integrating context-sensitive CPTED strategies into public transport planning to improve perceived safety, accessibility, and inclusive urban mobility in rapidly growing cities such as Karachi.