Evaluating the accessibility of collective fixed-route paratransit service in developing cities: A case study of Djibouti

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of accessibility for collective fixed-route paratransit services in Djibouti, examining current conditions through diverse data sources, including geographic information systems and household surveys. The proposed accessibility model considers walking time, waiting time, and coverage ratio. It correlates the decrease in accessibility based on walking time with the reduction in paratransit ridership. To assess the impact of waiting time, the model compares an acceptable waiting time (5 min) with the average waiting time of the service. A threshold walking time of 8 min defines the service coverage area. Results indicate that the collective fixed-route service covers only 39.49% of the city’s urban area. Although accessibility is higher in the city center, the outskirts face substantial accessibility gaps. This analysis not only reveals the spatial distribution of accessibility within the city but also highlights areas with urgent improvement needs. The study includes paratransit accessibility maps with color-coded levels of accessibility across the city. These findings contribute to the growing research on paratransit accessibility, emphasizing the integration of spatial and temporal factors for enhanced urban mobility planning. The insights from this research can support evidence-based policy-making and promote sustainable urban development in the region.