Measuring accessibility: effects of implementing multiple trip generating developments

Abstract

AbstractThe urban environment can be strongly affected by the increased number of displacements that emerge from a trip generating development hub, and so a measuring tool is needed for these variations, indicating where they occurred with a greater intensity. This can guide the government when investing in local transport. This paper proposes location quality indicators and uses them to measure the impact of the new Industrial Port Complex of Suape in Pernambuco, which is considered to be trip generator territory. Data from the 1997 OD survey, prior to the existence of the complex, has been used in comparison with the 2010 Census, once the industries were in place. Clearly the complex installation brought great changes, not only to its immediate location, but also for the entire metropolis. Displacements towards this area have greatly intensified in number and average travel time. The accessibility index for the locals has greatly improved, and their per capita income shows its greatest variation between the years 2000 and 2010, suggesting that local workers have been absorbed by the industry, comprising an important step towards sustainable development and social inclusion.