An Assessment of Public Transport Accessibility Levels for Slums in Bhopal

Abstract

Good connectivity and accessibility ensure inclusivity of public transport system which is an indicator of a fair society. The modal shift of commuters towards public transit services depends majorly on its accessibility levels. To ensure that commuters have equal opportunities to access jobs, education, and other services, PTAL (public transit accessibility level) is often evaluated. Public transport accessibility levels are a detailed and an accurate measure of accessibility of a point to the public transport network which considers walk access time and service availability. Public transportation is often referred to as an affordable model for every section of society due to its cheap fare price. The major question lies in the inclusivity of public transit services for the economically weaker section of society whether or not public transportation is available and accessible for those who need it or those who cannot afford other mobility services. The present study intends to focus on affordable and inclusive transportation for economically weaker sections. The study is an attempt to assess the issues with public transport services in the city of Bhopal, India for economically backward areas like slums. The research will help in understanding the accessibility level of currently available public transit services by evaluating the PTAL (public transit accessibility level) for socially backward.