Evaluation of accessibility disparities in urban areas during disruptive events based on transit real data

Abstract

The main motivation of this paper is to emphasize the necessity of assessing the actual performance of public transportation (PT), rather than relying on schedules, when assessing accessibility and equity in the provision of PT services. Real conditions are reflected in datasets such as the outcomes of Automatic Vehicle Monitoring (AVM) systems, whereas schedules are usually provided as General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS). In light of the dissimilar characteristics of central and peripheral neighborhoods, it is crucial to consider the operational conditions that users encounter, particularly in the context of unexpected disruptions that alter regular service. By examining a real-world case study in Bologna, Italy, the research combines well-known measures and innovative methods and demonstrates notable variation in accessibility and equity in the provision of PT services when comparing results based on real-time data with those based on schedules. This work contributes to a more nuanced understanding of urban accessibility and highlights the need for public stakeholders and transport authorities to incorporate actual service conditions into their evaluations.