The spatial coupling effect between urban public transport and commercial complexes: A network centrality perspective

The sustainable development of urban public transport (UPTN) and commercial complexes is an important consideration of city planners. This study examined the coordinated coupling development between the UPTN and urban commercial complexes using the network centrality as a bridge variable. After constructing the model of UPTN, we used multiple centrality assessment and urban network analysis models to measure the UPTN's centrality. Thereafter, we gathered the latitude and longitude coordinates of commercial complexes and depicted their spatial distribution. Then, we studied the spatial distribution pattern and coupling effect of the UPTN's centrality and the commercial complexes using Kernel Density Estimation and spatial autocorrelation. Finally, a case study based on Xi'an City, China was conducted. The results show that the UPTN possesses multi-center characteristics of closeness, betweenness and straightness; the distribution of urban commercial complexes is mainly concentrated in the existing commercial circles of the city; there is a positive linear correlation between the UPTN's centrality and the distribution of commercial complexes. This study provides a basis for optimizing decision-making related to the sustainable planning and site-selection of urban public transport and commercial complexes.