Public Transportation Accessibility
Definition
Public transportation accessibility quantifies how easily people can reach destinations using transit, often combining walk time to stops, schedules, transfers, and wait variability. Accessibility is inherently time-dependent—peak vs off-peak differs. Measures include isochrones, cumulative opportunities (jobs within X minutes), and gravity-based scores that weight destinations by impedance. Maps reveal transit deserts and prioritize improvements. Accessibility also depends on sidewalk quality, safety, and affordability; integrating these factors moves analysis from theoretical to lived access. Equity perspectives evaluate who benefits from service changes and who is left behind.
Application
Cities plan frequent-service corridors, locate shelters, and set benchmarks for minimum access to jobs or clinics. Employers assess sites for workforce access. Universities design shuttle links. Advocacy groups use maps to push for equitable investments.
FAQ
How to include reliability?
Model headway variability and missed connections; use percentile travel times, not just averages, to reflect lived experience.
Do bike-and-ride options help?
Yes—adding bike networks expands catchments significantly. Include secure parking availability and slope preferences.
What about accessibility for people with disabilities?
Incorporate elevator outages, curb ramps, platform gaps, and audible/visual signage into impedance and routing profiles.
How to explain results to non-technical audiences?
Use clear time bands, example trips, and before/after scenarios; highlight actionable changes like frequency boosts or bus-only lanes.