A proposal for accessibility planning in NSW: Research and policy issues

Abstract

Accessibility planning is a framework and process to use accessibility indicators as a basis for transport planning. The structured approach assesses actual accessibility at different spatial levels against indicators to identify accessibility inequities, and then develops and implements plans to improve accessibility. In this context, accessibility refers to spatial access rather than physical access. Accessibility planning has been introduced in the UK as a mechanism for achieving social inclusion by addressing inequities in access to goods and services using indicators of access to jobs, education, health facilities and retail facilities by public transport. The paper outlines a proposal for implementing accessibility planning in NSW. The paper explains the concept and significance of accessibility planning and the current context for accessibility planning in NSW. It identifies research and policy issues which would need to be resolved to implement accessibility planning in NSW including relationship with existing targets, determining accessibility indicators and standards, community engagement, governance and institutional frameworks, and funding and implementation.