A B S T R A C T
Integration and coordination among urban public transport modes represent an effective and operational strategy for enhancing system attractiveness among public while simultaneously mitigating the environmental impacts associated with private car dependence in metropolis these days. This study evaluates the performance of an integrated urban transport system (bike sharing and LRT) and proposes strategies for its improvement, with particular emphasis on the interaction between shared bicycle users and the urban rail network. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS, and the SWOT framework was employed to identify the opportunities and constraints of the combined system in the Mashhad city. To refine this assessment, expert input from a 30-member panel was used to weight internal and external factors and to classify the resulting strategic options. The strategies were subsequently evaluated and prioritized through the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM), based on their relative attractiveness. The findings demonstrate that the frequency of using the integrated system increases with higher levels of education and income, while the availability of bicycle lanes exerts a positive influence on integrated system utilization. Conversely, household car ownership reduces the likelihood of using the combined system, although this relationship was not statistically significant (p = 0.143). The SWOT analysis yielded an internal factor evaluation score of 2.26 and an external factor evaluation score of 2.8, indicating the fact that the system’s weaknesses currently outweigh its strengths. Accordingly, the system’s strategic position falls within the third quadrant of the planning matrix, where the adoption of adaptive strategies is deemed most appropriate.
Extended Abstract
Introduction
Rapid transformations in urban lifestyles, together with population growth and rising intra-city travel demand, have posed major challenges to transportation systems in large metropolitan areas. Increasing reliance on private automobiles has led to acute problems, including chronic traffic congestion, deteriorating air quality, and adverse impacts on public health and urban mobility. Conventional transport systems are no longer adequate to address contemporary mobility demands. Consequently, prioritizing sustainable public transportation—particularly integrated multimodal solutions—has become imperative. Among such solutions, the seamless integration of bike-sharing schemes with urban rail transit has emerged as both a practical and environmentally sustainable strategy. Such integration not only mitigates traffic congestion and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, but also enhances physical well-being and facilitates access to metro stations and key urban destinations. Evidence from developed countries indicates that more than 45% of metro users employ bicycles as a complementary mode, underscoring the effectiveness of integrated systems.
Mashhad, Iran’s second-largest metropolis, despite its sizeable population and substantial tourist inflows, faces persistent challenges such as a low public transport modal share, insufficient pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, and severe traffic congestion. The absence of integrated sustainable transport infrastructure has exacerbated environmental degradation, diminished overall mobility, and heightened energy consumption. This study evaluates the current state of Mashhad’s bike–urban rail integration, identifies its strengths, weaknesses, and key determinants, and proposes context-specific strategies for its enhancement and expansion.
The theoretical framework is grounded in sustainable transportation and urban development, with particular emphasis on the urgent need to reduce dependence on private motorized travel. Sustainable transport entails ensuring equitable and safe access while minimizing reliance on non-renewable resources and mitigating environmental pollution. Moreover, the functional integration of diverse transport modes represents a critical response to contemporary urban traffic challenges. The integration of bicycles with urban rail effectively addresses first- and last-mile connectivity challenges, expands the service catchment area, and enhances the overall efficiency of public transit. By enhancing trip quality and facilitating seamless transfers, this approach contributes to congestion reduction and improved public health outcomes.
A review of successful domestic and international cases demonstrates that integrated transport systems play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable mobility and addressing fragmentation and inefficiencies within urban transport networks. Ultimately, this research aims to provide actionable, locally tailored recommendations for strengthening and scaling Mashhad’s integrated system, thereby contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals and enhancing urban quality of life.
 
Methodology
This study adopts a descriptive–analytical research design with an applied orientation. Data collection combined documentary sources with field-based methods, which encompassed direct observation, semi-structured interviews, and structured questionnaires. The statistical population included all users of Mashhad’s integrated urban rail and bike-sharing systems—residents, pilgrims, and tourists—between the ages of 18 and 70. Given the estimated population size of nearly two million, a sample of 384 individuals was determined using Cochran’s formula. Questionnaires were randomly administered and retrieved from users at eight stations located in proximity to both urban rail and bike-sharing facilities.
Following the exclusion of invalid responses, statistical analyses were performed in SPSS to identify the factors shaping use of the integrated system. The questionnaire’s reliability was confirmed by a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.79. Correlations among variables were examined using Pearson’s correlation test, while the spatial distribution of stations was analyzed through GIS. Finally, the SWOT model was applied to identify the system’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and to formulate strategies for its improvement. These strategies were subsequently prioritized through expert consultation in the transportation field, employing the Quantitative Strategic Planning Matrix (QSPM).
 
Results and Discussion
Integrated transportation strategies hold considerable potential for advancing sustainable urban transport systems in the coming years. This study analyzed the current status of Mashhad’s combined metro and bike-sharing system and identified usage patterns along with the primary user groups of this integrated mode. The SWOT analysis offered a comprehensive assessment of the system’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, enabling the formulation of strategies to enhance current conditions.
The findings indicate relatively low overall usage of the integrated system: only 6.9% of respondents reported frequent use, 17.7% moderate use, and 72.7% infrequent use. While most users were under 30 years old, the highest rate of frequent use was recorded among individuals aged 30–39. Work-related trips emerged as the primary purpose of system use, with employees reporting higher frequencies of use than other occupational groups.
Correlation analysis demonstrated significant positive relationships between frequent system use and variables including education level, quality of bicycle infrastructure, and bicycle ownership. By contrast, metro travel time and residential distance to the nearest metro station exhibited significant negative correlations with usage rates. Although household car ownership was associated with lower levels of integrated system use, the relationship was not statistically significant (p = 0.143). Spatial analysis further revealed a pronounced shortage of bike-sharing stations across Mashhad, with existing facilities covering only about 60% of the urban area.
 
Conclusion
The spatial analysis, taking into account the threshold access radius for bicycles, revealed a considerable shortage of bike-sharing stations in Mashhad. Ensuring comprehensive coverage across the urban area would require the establishment of at least 120 stations with appropriate spatial distribution. Moreover, nearly 40% of the city lacks sufficient connectivity between bike-sharing stations and metro lines. Consequently, the completion of the ongoing urban rail projects (Lines 3 and 4) is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing spatial equity and improving citizens’ access to the integrated transportation system.
The SWOT and QSPM analyses placed the system’s strategic position in the third quadrant, pointing to the adoption of adaptive strategies. Accordingly, the principal strategies for advancing the integrated transportation system include expanding the fleet of shared bicycles and the station network, constructing dedicated and high-quality bicycle lanes linked to metro stations, enabling bicycle transport on urban trains through designated carriages or upgraded facilities, and improving digital services alongside the provision of targeted user incentives.
 
Funding
There is no funding support.
 
Authors’ Contribution
Authors contributed equally to the conceptualization and writing of the article. All of the authors approved thecontent of the manuscript and agreed on all aspects of the work declaration of competing interest none.
 
Conflict of Interest
Authors declared no conflict of interest.
 
Acknowledgments
 We are grateful to all the scientific consultants of this paper.