Examining Accessibility Inequalities in the Public Transport Systems of Greater London and Turin for Mobility-Impaired Individuals

This study investigates spatial accessibility inequalities within Greater London, with a focus on zone-specific disparities between individuals with mobility impairments and the general population. The research examines how architectural barriers, particularly steps and gaps, impact the use of public transportation networks. To quantify these inequalities, Hansen's and Shen's indices are employed as measures of spatial accessibility. A consequent comparative analysis is made assuming that disabled individuals can only utilise step-free services, through lifts and same-level paths, while the general population has access to all services and interchanges. The findings shed light on the unequal accessibility experienced by mobility-impaired and elderly individuals compared to the general population. These disparities are influenced by various factors, including the population density of each zone, the amount of activities within each zone, the proximity to step-free stations, and the travel time required to reach all other zones from the one under consideration. Furthermore, some other patterns of inequality are unique to the activity considered. The study identifies areas with the most significant disparities, primarily located in the south-eastern and north-western parts of London. These are largely attributed to the presence of non-step-free services and a limited interchange potential. When considering Hansen’s indices, disabled individuals experience only 81.22% of the spatial accessibility measured for non-disabled individuals. Additionally, the research explores case scenarios related to nightlife accessibility for leisure activities and to healthcare facilities for elderly individuals. In the final phase of the study, the analysis is extended to Turin, a smaller city in the north of Italy. While providing insights into the city's accessibility and inequalities, this section also involves exploring future scenarios and validating the methods and assumptions originally used for London. The investigation reveals pronounced inequalities in the vicinity of the non-step-free station of Torino Stura and toward the eastern part of the city.