An Open-Source Modelling Methodology for Multimodal and Intermodal Accessibility Analysis of Workplace Locations

Abstract

Workplace location has a significant impact on daily mobility behavior, such as mode of transportation choice, as well as long-term decisions such as car ownership and residential location choice. Therefore, understanding accessibility to workplaces is crucial for promoting sustainable mobility. However, there is currently a lack of comprehensive, open-source methodologies for multimodal and intermodal accessibility modeling for workplace locations. In this study, we present a modeling concept based on open-source tools such as OpenTripPlanner, PostGIS, and R, which allows for efficient and fast accessibility analysis of workplace locations at a regional level. Using the Munich Metropolitan Region as a case study, we demonstrate the feasibility of our model in conducting large-scale, multimodal, and intermodal accessibility analysis on consumer hardware. The maps produced by our model provide both absolute and relative indicators of accessibility, such as public transportation versus car accessibility, as well as a score. The results show that Munich and other centers have high competitiveness for non-car modes and intermodal combinations, but smaller cities also have potential for workplace locations that are not reliant on car access, with a large number of potential workers able to reach these locations within 30 min without driving.