Development of a Public Transport Accessibility Index for Older Commuters: A Time-Based Approach

Abstract

The development of a public transport accessibility index for older travellers using total travel time is not a subject of frequent discussion. This study proposes a public transport accessibility index (EPTAI) which considers older peoples’ travel time and the populations of the second-smallest statistical areas according to census data. EPTAI identifies the level of access of the elderly to public transport (train, tram, and bus) in an urban area. The time-based EPTAI includes different trip purposes, including shopping trips (trips to shopping centres), medical trips (travel to healthcare centres), education trips (travel to education centres), and recreation trips (e.g., restaurants, parks, and cafes). The developed index is validated using statistical validation methods, including Pearson’s chi-square, likelihood ratio, linear-by-linear association, Cramer’s V, contingency coefficient, and phi. In addition, the performance of the developed index is compared with household survey data and the public transport accessibility level (PTAL). The results indicate that older adults’ public transport access varies depending on travel time, population density, and travel destination. The proposed index can be used for future planning/expansion and modification of public transport networks in urban and regional areas to meet the travel demands of older travellers.