European indicators to assess accessibility in public transport

The European funded MEDIATE project has recently produced a set of accessibility indicators it has identified for urban public transport systems. These indicators highlight different aspects of accessibility within a city, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of a local public transport system, specific to that city.

The overall aim of the FP7 MEDIATE project is to contribute to the development of inclusive urban transport systems with better access for all citizens. The core objective of MEDIATE is to develop a common methodology for measuring accessibility to transport; including accessibility indicators for urban public transport, a self-assessment tool, a good practice guide, a web-portal on public transport accessibility (www.aptie.eu) and a European end-user platform.

The indicators are based on the principle of Total Quality Management (TQM), which recognizes that the development and implementation of accessibility is a dynamic process of sequential stages that bring accessibility to a higher level of development. Key indicators and detailed sub-indicators reflect major areas for the provision of public transport accessibility, based on a literature review and substantial input from local authorities and operators running public transport systems, the users of the systems, and accessibility experts. The indicators are targeted for use by local authorities to assess their local public transport system, but may also be used by individual operators, and end-user organizations.

The deliverables of the project will be presented at the MEDIATE Final Conference, which will take place on 18-19 November 2010 in London.

Further information on the MEDIATE project, including the report on accessibility indicators, and information about the conference is available at www.mediate-project.eu.

News Category: EU Funded Projects

Date Posted: 20/07/2010