This study evaluates the pedestrian connection system in Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) areas surrounding rail transit stations in Guangzhou, China. Using a mixed-methods approach combining structured questionnaire surveys (n=546) and preliminary observational fieldwork across nine representative TOD stations, a four-dimensional satisfaction assessment framework — encompassing accessibility, safety, comfort, and pleasure — was developed and applied. Results indicate that overall pedestrian satisfaction remains at a moderate-to-high level, with safety scoring highest (3.825/5) and comfort scoring lowest (3.800/5). Barrier-free facilities recorded the lowest individual score (3.77/5) among all eighteen indicators. A statistically strong negative correlation (r=−0.705 to −0.780, p<0.01) was identified between perceived walking distance and satisfaction across all dimensions, indicating that environmental quality substantially mediates pedestrians' psychological perception of distance. Elderly residents, migrant workers, and low-income groups systematically reported lower satisfaction levels, highlighting spatial equity concerns. The research contributes an empirically grounded evaluation framework applicable to high-density Chinese cities and provides practical implications for sustainable TOD planning and pedestrian environment improvement.

Wenjin Zhao. Pedestrian Connection System in TOD Areas: User Satisfaction Assessment of Guangzhou Rail Transit Stations. International Journal of New Developments in Engineering and Society (2026), Vol. 10, Issue 1: 64-73. https://doi.org/10.25236/IJNDES.2026.100109.

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