Mapping public transport accessibility levels (PTAL) in India and its applications: A case study of Surat

Abstract

Rapid urbanisation is a key factor in making public urban infrastructure systems in developing countries overstressed. A public transport system of a city is one of its vital urban infrastructure systems. Good public transport enhances connectivity and mobility, especially for lower income groups making them better participate in the labour market, eventually fostering economic growth and social equity. Therefore, it is important in cities of developing countries to ensure the best possible public transport system given the limited availability of resources.One of the ways to enhance a public transport system is to improve its accessibility with regard to population distribution. The first step is to measure the level of accessibility offered by the current system. Public Transport Accessibility Level (PTAL) is a tool to measure accessibility at various location in a city and spatially visualise it. A case study of Surat, India is used to implement the PTAL. Surat PTAL maps are created for a base year (2016) and future year (2021), superimposed with population density, and compared with Ahmedabad city. PTAL maps could be useful in several ways. Key applications and lessons for planners include guiding future public transport investments, enhancing the urban plan-making process by integrating transport and land use decisions, better informing the parking policy, improving residential location choice, optimising supply locations of affordable and low-cost housing, and better understanding the mobility needs of the urban poor.