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Assessing Users’ Satisfaction with the Urban Central Metro Station Area in Chengdu: An SEM-IPA Approach

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  • Jiexi Ma

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, 999 Xi’an Road, Chengdu 610097, China)

  • Zhongwei Shen

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, 999 Xi’an Road, Chengdu 610097, China)

  • Pengpeng Liang

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, 999 Xi’an Road, Chengdu 610097, China)

  • Yu Zhao

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, 999 Xi’an Road, Chengdu 610097, China)

  • Wen Song

    (School of Architecture, Southwest Jiaotong University, 999 Xi’an Road, Chengdu 610097, China)

Abstract

An urban central metro station area is a core hub within the high-quality Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) model. This study explores users’ perceptions of built environments around urban central metro stations to investigate the critical determinants of user satisfaction and proposes strategies to enhance the quality of these environments. First, a comprehensive perception system, including location situation, field environment, and urban aesthetics, was developed through literature reviews and expert consultation. Secondly, three typical central metro station areas in Chengdu were selected as study cases, and 425 questionnaires were collected from August to October 2024. The data were analyzed using a structural equation model (SEM) to reveal the impact of built environment perception on overall satisfaction. The results indicate that the field environment has the strongest direct influence on satisfaction. Urban aesthetics impacts satisfaction both directly and indirectly, making its overall effect the most significant. While the location situation does not directly affect satisfaction, it indirectly influences satisfaction through its impact on the field environment and urban aesthetics. Subsequently, based on the satisfaction performance and SEM outcomes, an importance–performance analysis (IPA) was conducted to identify specific areas needing enhancement. Finally, we integrated environmental assessments with the above findings and put forth strategic recommendations to enhance the quality of the built environment.

Suggested Citation

  • Jiexi Ma & Zhongwei Shen & Pengpeng Liang & Yu Zhao & Wen Song, 2025. "Assessing Users’ Satisfaction with the Urban Central Metro Station Area in Chengdu: An SEM-IPA Approach," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(5), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlands:v:14:y:2025:i:5:p:1023-:d:1651268
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Wei Gao & Xiaoli Sun & Mei Zhao & Yong Gao & Haoran Ding, 2024. "Evaluate Human Perception of the Built Environment in the Metro Station Area," Land, MDPI, vol. 13(1), pages 1-25, January.
    3. Mateo-Babiano, Iderlina, 2016. "Pedestrian's needs matter: Examining Manila's walking environment," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 107-115.
    4. Allen, Jaime & Eboli, Laura & Forciniti, Carmen & Mazzulla, Gabriella & Ortúzar, Juan de Dios, 2019. "The role of critical incidents and involvement in transit satisfaction and loyalty," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 75(C), pages 57-69.
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