Impact of urbanization on user expectations related to public transport accessibility

An analysis of experience and expectations of urban residents towards accessibility to public transport systems from a number of cities at varying levels of urbanization is presented. A framework suitable to investigate differences of walking time to public transport facilities was initially established. It is then demonstrated that there is a relationship between the level of service of accessibility to public transport systems in a given urban area and expectations of its residents. Access to bus stops as well as railway stations has been considered. The paper provides a framework for planners to identify the perceived value of improvements to accessibility by accounting for the difference between the improvement of a physical measure of accessibility and the increased level of expectation of the subject community. The analysis has shown that it is important to keep the walking time for access to public transport systems below a specific value to ensure that the level of service associated with accessibility is within community expectations.