English Abstract
Abstract:
This study employs a novel approach of comparing the efects of diferent types of mobility options on noise levels around arterials with the use of noise-level based passenger car unit (PCU) factors. The study area of this research was Karachi, Pakistan, although the methodology can be applied elsewhere. A regression model was developed for calculating PCUs based on noise level. To ensure maximum spread of data collection and variance in levels of trafc presence, the data was collected from fve arterials of Karachi. Trafc volume count included mobility options of motorbikes, cars, pickup, rickshaws, buses, and trucks. It was found that the noise-based PCU factors difer greatly compared to those calculated based on trafc fow. Highest noise based PCU factor was for trucks, used for freight mobility, and lowest one was for rickshaws, a very common shared mobility option for passengers. These equivalency factors can provide a convenient approach for prediction of noise levels, along arterials, for transportation planners at the project development stage. Consequently, they can be utilized for planning and development of sustainable and healthy communities. Their importance is also justifed on the basis of recent trend which includes introduction of various shared mobility options in Karachi, such as metro bus, online delivery, and
ride-hiring services.
