Influence of slope on pedestrian access to public transportation systems

Abstract

The quality and accessibility to the public transportation system are essential for a sustainable and inclusive city. The location of bus stops, focusing on user walkability, becomes crucial for public transportation planning. The distances users are willing to walk may vary due to several local factors, such as extreme temperatures or steep slopes, and are specific to each city. In this context, this article explores the influence of terrain slopes on pedestrian access to the public transportation system. A proposed procedure considers the maximum distances that users would be willing to walk, with their effort weighted by the gradient of roadways to set the location of bus stops, ensuring equitable access to the public transportation system. The results of this procedure were compared with others previously reported in the literature. The comparison showed improvement in the areas served by public transportation. Furthermore, this methodology is adaptable to external factors and user behavior, making it functional in cities with distinct characteristics. It is a valuable tool for enhancing other indices and studies related to accessibility to public transportation systems.