One connection is no connection : hard and soft accessibility. Accessibility improvements are often thought of as speeding up connections. This is based on an appreciation of movement based on clock time. The value of time, expressed in gain (time that can be spent usefully), enjoyment (time that can be spent pleasantly) and memorable moments (time in which you experience something memorable), is not counted for. Therefore lots of possibilities for improving accessibility are missed, certainly in the light of the development of mobile communication technology. This technology disconnects time and space and enables activities during a trip that previously could only be undertaken at the origin or destination. This improves the usefulness of a trip and takes the appreciation of moving up to almost the level of that of staying. Public transportation offers travellers many opportunities for using mobile communication technology while eyes and attention are not needed to dive the vehicle as they are being a motorist. By connecting virtual and physical accessibility travellers are less dependent on traditional timeframes creating possibilities for more efficient use of the infrastructure. Making optimal use of the possibilities of mobile communication technology asks for a new approach to the concept of accessibility. Both clock time (hard accessibility) and the value of time (soft accessibility) must be taken account of in the management of accessibility. After all: one connection is no connection! (Author/publisher)
Abstract