Public Transport Accessibility Needs Assessment Using Gaming Simulations

Abstract

Accessibility is a complex measure, defined as the ability to perform activities that are necessary or desired by the users of the system. While being difficult to quantify, it is currently recognised as an important measure when assessing the benefits of transport networks. Accessibility is furthermore closely tied together with social inclusion, another aspect recognised in recent studies as an important variable for promoting sustainable societies. The two measures are difficult to integrate into transport models, partly due to being poorly understood and communicated between users and decision makers, as well as due to the qualitative nature of these two measurements. This article examines how gaming simulations can be used to communicate the measures of accessibility and social inclusion, to bridge the gap between the users of the transport infrastructure and the decision makers. Gaming simulations have a long track record in aiding policy making in complex issues and facilitating discussion between different stakeholders. Employing gaming simulations will provide a good aid to achieve a more comprehensive representation and understanding of the users in order to create more accessible and inclusive public transport infrastructure.