Applying accessibility measures to assess a transport intervention strategy: A case study of Bromsgrove

Abstract

An innovative accessibility mapping study for the town of Bromsgrove in Worcestershire is presented. This study was commissioned to assess the impacts of a transport intervention strategy, including the enhancement of local bus services and the development of a new multimodal interchange in the town. What makes the research within this paper innovative is the use of a hybrid accessibility network model; based upon a gravity-based model which in itself is based upon values of generalised time. At the centre of this study is the application of geographical information systems both as means of analysing large volumes of data and in the display of the results. The paper aims to show how accessibility studies can be used to effectively map and analyse impacts of passenger transport interventions (in terms of journey time changes). The mapping techniques that have been employed are proposed as best practice examples, to evaluate the social equity implications of transport policy and design. This paper presents the adopted methodology, together with the results that were generated. The outcome of this study ultimately proved that a proposed transport intervention strategy for Bromsgrove had the potential to deliver improvements to transport accessibility. This study provides a detailed picture of the existing levels of transport accessibility in Bromsgrove. The outcomes of this study have been used extensively by Worcestershire County Council as part of a comprehensive evidence base to support robust funding bids. In particular, this study will be used to quantify the benefits of transport infrastructure enhancements, being a critical element of the Bromsgrove Regeneration Programme, which is aimed at facilitating social and economic transition from a traditional manufacturing centre to a key hub on the regionally identified Central Technology Belt.