Abstract
Accessibility is usually evaluated using indicators calculated from spatial data. However, perceived accessibility, defined as the perceived potential to participate in spatially dispersed opportunities, is often poorly reflected by these calculated measures. This paper sets out to explain the mechanisms that lead to these mismatches. A conceptual model is constructed to establish what factors shape perceived accessibility. A schematic framework shows that mismatches between a calculated indicator and perceptions can stem from inaccuracies in awareness as well as from inaccuracies in the measure if the measure fails to take account of the subjective evaluations of accessibility components. When evaluating the performance of land-use and transport system configurations, calculated measures based on spatial and transport data only serve as proxies for how accessibility is actually experienced. This paper argues that bringing perceived accessibility to the fore of accessibility-based planning, by acknowledging and evaluating potential mismatches with calculated accessibility indicators, will advance the evolution from mobility-based to accessibility-based planning.
Highlights
The key role of a transportation system is to provide people with the opportunity to engage in spatially dispersed activities of all kinds (Miller, 2018)
When attempting to understand people's potential spatial behaviour, predict actual behaviour and/or assess the potential utility derived from accessibility based on calculated accessibility indicators, one should acknowledge the potential mismatch with perceived accessibility and the mechanisms that may contribute to this mismatch
The correct use and interpretation of accessibility indicators serves as a barrier to the adoption of accessibility goals in transport planning (Handy, 2020; Silva et al, 2017)
Summary
The key role of a transportation system is to provide people with the opportunity to engage in spatially dispersed activities of all kinds (Miller, 2018) This potential to interact is often referred to as accessi bility. As perceived accessibility can be viewed as the real basis for decisions regarding participating in spatially dispersed opportunities (Kirk, 1963; Gold, 1980; Morris et al, 1979), any mismatches with calculated accessibility indicators may undermine policy strategies regarding accessibility. Based on this argumentation, a conceptual model of perceived accessibility is established.
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