Public transport accessibility is a cornerstone of urban planning, social equity, and sustainability. Yet, maintaining equitable access to essential services in the event of evolving challenges such as population growth, changes in transport configurations and global crises remains a critical issue. This thesis builds on the premise that enhancing public transport accessibility requires tools that are not only technically robust but also user-friendly, empowering diverse stakeholders to engage with transport planning data effectively. By focusing on spatial accessibility, social equity, and public transport network analysis, this research provides both a methodological framework and practical solutions to ongoing accessibility challenges. High-quality data and advanced analytical tools underpin effective transport planning. However, many existing tools rely on static outputs, limiting their utility in real-time scenario modelling or interactive decision-making. Furthermore, these tools often fail to integrate open-source solutions, which could enhance accessibility and reduce costs for end users. Addressing these gaps, this thesis develops a browser-based application that combines open-source geographic information systems (GIS), routing engines, and predictive analytics to explore the spatial and social implications of public transport modifications. Crucially, the research addresses the stated aims of public transport policy frameworks, including the Welsh governments’ Llwybr Newydd transport strategy and the national transport delivery plan, by demonstrating how such tools can support government ambitions to reduce car dependency, promote active travel, and enhance public transport networks. The research leverages case studies in rural and urban Wales to demonstrate how "what-if" scenario modelling can identify accessibility gaps and evaluate the potential of policy interventions. The findings highlight the tool's capacity to dynamically visualize the impacts of adding or removing routes, adjusting service frequencies, and expanding coverage. This approach ensures that public transport planning is both evidence-based and inclusive. This has the potential to inform the design and delivery of bus services in Wales as set out in the 2022 white paper and roadmap to bus reform as part of the move to bring the planning and contracting of buses into public control in 2027. The final sections discuss the adoption of open-source tools in professional environments, evaluating their practical application in planning and delivering transport services that can feed into the work of transport for Wales and local authorities in planning and implementing local bus networks that impact accessibility to key services.
Applying Web-Based Technologies to Better Understand Access to Services using Public Transport
Webb, L. (Author). 2025
Student thesis: Doctoral Thesis