This report describes a technique, developed by Gwent county council and TRRL, for highlighting areas where there may be need for improved public transport services. The method involves the construction of accessibility contours based on travel time by public transport. these contours enclose areas of the county from which it is possible to reach a given facility in 45 minutes travel by bus, plus up to 15 minutes walking at each end. Travel to hospital outpatient clinics and shopping centres is used to illustrate the technique. The areas which fall outside the contours are then examined to see what problems exist in reaching facilities. Population, car ownership and available public transport are studied. The technique is a simple way of identifying areas where there may be transport problems; one map can be produced for the county overall, for each type of facility. In this way, areas for detailed study are greatly reduced in number. (Author/publisher)
Abstract