Reconfiguring urban spatial structure: a PRISMA-based systematic review of morphological transformations induced by transit infrastructure

Transit infrastructure fundamentally reshapes urban morphology by influencing spatial structure, land use, density, accessibility, and built form. However, existing evidence remains fragmented across diverse theoretical and methodological perspectives. This PRISMA-based systematic review synthesizes 80 peer-reviewed studies published between 2020 and 2025 to establish an integrated understanding of transit-induced morphological transformation. The review identifies seven recurring dimensions: density intensification, land-use diversification, street-network evolution, spatial restructuring, built-form transformation, environmental integration, and urban fragmentation. Findings indicate that transit promotes compact, mixed-use, and polycentric urban development, while outcomes are mediated by governance, planning coordination, redevelopment capacity, socioeconomic conditions, and environmental constraints.