Perceived accessibility: A literature review

Abstract

The integration of accessibility measures into transport planning has become prominent in many regions. However, accessibility evaluation is hampered by not having a comprehensive view on how accessibility is perceived by various population groups and how it impacts their choices given certain transport and land use configurations. Recently, studies have emerged attempting to measure perceived accessibility and understand its determinants and how it relates to various aspects such as travel behaviour and social inclusion using a variety of definitions and methods. In this paper, we review the empirical research on perceived accessibility, aiming to provide structure to future research on this topic. Based on 45 studies discussing perceived accessibility, we find that the concept is often ambiguously defined, and that measures lack robust validation regarding capturing the core aspects of accessibility and perception at the individual level. Moreover, results regarding the links between socioeconomic characteristics and perceived accessibility lack consistency and validity. The relationship between perceived accessibility and travel-related outcomes remains underexplored and requires further investigation, including indirect and bidirectional effects. Based on this literature review and earlier conceptualizations, we construct an empirical research framework that paves the way for future research by proposing relationships between perceived accessibility, calculated accessibility, travel behaviour, residential choice, as well as individual sociodemographic characteristics and attitudes. Understanding how various population groups perceive accessibility is essential for developing more accurate land use and transport measures that impact their behaviour and well-being.