National Accessibility Evaluation Phase II

Principal Investigator

  • Eric Lind, AO Director, Center for Transportation Studies

Co-Investigators

  • Andrew Owen, Lead Researcher, Accessibility Observatory, Center for Transportation Studies

Summary

This project implemented activities for the National Accessibility Evaluation pooled-fund study, performing accessibility evaluations describing conditions in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.

The National Accessibility Evaluation project had two main objectives. First, it aimed to create a new, national census block-level accessibility dataset that can be used by partners in local transportation system evaluation, performance management, planning, and research efforts. Second, it produced and published a series of annual reports describing accessibility to jobs by driving and by transit in metropolitan areas across America.

  • Accessibility Dataset
    This project created a national census-block level dataset describing accessibility to jobs and other destinations from locations throughout the country, updated annually. Accessibility calculations relied on detailed travel time calculations for both driving and transit, which were implemented using commercially available, GPS-based speed measurements and published transit schedules. Each Access Across America partner has direct digital access to the accessibility datasets covering the jurisdictions of all partners. The data format was such that the dataset could be easily accessed using popular software available on office computers.
  • Annual Reports
    The annual Access Across America reports provided summaries of the detailed accessibility datasets for the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas across America. These reports were released to national and local media outlets and supported by publicity and communications efforts. Partners were recognized in the reports for their sponsorship and support.

Sponsors

Project Details

  • Project number: 2021045
  • Start date: 02/2021
  • Project status: Completed
  • Research area: Planning and Economy
  • Topics: Accessibility metrics

Research Reports

Related Materials

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