COMMERCIAL COMPLEXES OF METRO STATIONS

By: Mohammad Montazeri, Ph.D., University Professor, Director of Coordination Office of the International Association of Public Transport in I.R. of Iran

  

Building commercial complexes of metro stations is the effective method to provide budget for urban rail public transport projects. Comparative study of   commercial complexes of metro stations present useful experience for the development of these complexes. Financing construction and operation of metro lines is the most important challenge for the developing countries.

In this article the operation of commercial complexes of metro stations is introduced as one of the effective methods to provide part of the budget needed for development of rail public transportation systems. These shops and commercial spaces are rented to different companies to provide income for metro construction and operating organizations.

The benefits of the construction of metro station commercial complexes include economic, social, city development, public transport and environmental benefits.

Features of some commercial complexes of metro stations in different countries are discussed including Montreal (Canada), Washington (USA), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Tabriz (Iran), Tehran (Iran) and Orestad Center (Denmark).

In the near future, in most of the cities of the world, urban region development will be based on maximizing trips with rail public transport and providing optimal services for public transport passengers. Accordingly, the economy of cities will be reinforced with the design and the construction of commercial complexes of metro stations. The income earned by these metro stations commercial centers will help to develop the urban rail public transport.∎