Accession

Accession quickly provides an accessibility-mapping overlay on any background map. It enables easy manipulation of the representation of the multi-modal transport system for creating scenarios. The influences these changes have on the transport system are clearly shown.

Accession is a powerful tool that can be used in a wide range of transport-related studies.

Methods

Local Accessibility

Local public transit access is represented as a combination of walk time to a boarding point and the average wait time for a service. Accessibility calculations can be based on either straight-line walk time or actual walk time.

Public Transit Data Display and manipulation

The stops and routes are displayed in a map-based environment. A query tool can be used to identify routes running through stops. A point and click facility allows the easy addition and deletion of stops. Simple creation and amendment of route data are achieved through a user-friendly GIS environment. As part of the route creation and addition facility, stop timing points can be entered and stop types can be interpolated to derive service times.  A contour tool is available for the creation of travel isochrones. Powerful GIS display and analysis functionality are available for a variety of display options such as color shading. Census data can be compared with accessibility maps and displayed alongside results.

Accession has been used in a variety of projects.

Topics include:

• Reviews of existing public transit services
• Simplified analysis of effects of proposed service changes
• Plans for meeting disabled persons transport requirements
• Development of business case for retail location
• Site evaluation for property business re-location
• Development of green commuting plans for private and public sector organizations
• Development of car parking standards based on public transit accessibility levels
• Analysis of school catchment areas and pupil travel requirements

Accession is designed to be used by:

• Local transport planners
• Land use planners
• Primary Care agencies and health authorities
• Jobcentre Plus and employers
• Local Education Authorities
• Social Services
• Property developers
• Retailers