Accessibility Observatory Reports

Persistent link for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/11299/266412

This collection contains reports produced by the Accessibility Observatory.

Accessibility Observatory Data is available in a different collection at https://hdl.handle.net/11299/200592.

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Accountability Through Accessibility: Measuring What Matters for Departments of Transportation
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2025-09) Lind, Eric M.; Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Hockert, Matthew
To accurately measure the impacts generated by the actions of Departments of Transportation (DOTs), changes to land use and land value that result from changes to the transportation network must be included. We argue in this paper for the use of Accessibility measures in system performance and project prioritization for DOTs, to fully account for DOT decisions. Accessibility, or measurement of how easily people can connect to their desired destinations, is not a new concept, yet progress has been slow in adopting measures which focus on people rather than vehicle movement and delay. To spur further consideration of Accessibility, we document the theoretical and practical basis for Accessibility, describe available data, explore change in metrics over short and long time scales, and recommend approaches for inclusion into DOT decision making. Ultimately the full impact of DOT actions cannot be fully captured by the vehicle movement metrics which comprise the status quo. Accessibility metrics offer a way to evaluate what DOTs are providing, where, and to whom, in terms of connection to destinations and changes in land use.
Access Across America: Walk 2023
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2025-05-08) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric M.
Accessibility is the ease of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by walking or rolling for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by walking or rolling are calculated using detailed pathway networks and low-speed streets. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of job accessibility; a higher weight is given to closer jobs, as jobs closer to origins are more easily reached, and are thus more valuable, than those further away. Jobs reachable within ten minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Additionally, access to jobs by travel time is separately analyzed according to the income grouping of resident workers who experience that access. Year-over-year changes in accessibility are likewise provided for each area. Given the typically slow change in pedestrian network infrastructure, there are not great changes in walk or roll access. What change does exist is likely a reflection of the land use (job destinations) changing in walkable areas, for better or worse.
Access Across America: Transit 2023
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2025-05-08) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric M.
Accessibility is the ease of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by public transit for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by transit include the pedestrian travel times from each block origin to the first transit stop, and from the last transit stop to the job destination(s). Travel times are calculated using detailed pedestrian networks and full transit schedules for the 7:00 – 9:00 a.m. period, then access is calculated from the 15% fastest travel times, corresponding with a regularly occurring but fast transit trip. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in transit accessibility are provided for each area. The 2023 reporting year reflects the ongoing modification of transit service levels after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impacts to transit agencies of workforce and budget limitations. Most urban areas saw year over year declines in transit access for the average resident, reflecting impacts of altered transit service in response to these challenges.
Access Across America: Biking 2023
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2025-05-08) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric M.
Accessibility is the ease of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by cycling (biking) for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by biking are calculated using detailed roadway networks classified by their Level of Traffic Stress (LTS), which correspond to whether riders would use those roadways for travel by bike. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of job accessibility; a higher weight is given to closer jobs, as jobs closer to origins are more easily reached, and are thus more valuable, than those further away. Jobs reachable within ten minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in accessibility by bike are provided for each area. The 2023 reporting year reflects the changes in bike infrastructure some cities have made, in part responding to changing travel behavior after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access Across America: Auto 2023
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2025-05-08) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric M.
Accessibility is the ease of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by auto for each of the 11 million U.S. census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas for 2023. Travel times are calculated using a detailed road network and speed data that reflect typical conditions for an 8 a.m. Wednesday morning departure. Additionally, the accessibility results for 8 a.m. are compared with accessibility results for 2 a.m. to estimate the impact of road and highway congestion on job accessibility. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of accessibility, with a higher weight given to closer, easier-to-access jobs. Jobs reachable within 10 minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in accessibility, and in congestion impacts on accessibility, are provided for each area. The 2023 reporting year reflects the evolution in local travel behavior after the subsidence of the COVID-19 pandemic, including return of congestion in many areas resulting in more limited access by auto.
Accessibility Benefit Analysis of I-94 MnPASS Lanes by Auto - Results Report
(Accessibility Observatory, University of Minnesota, 2019-03-20) Cui, Mengying; Carlson, Kristin M.; Owen, Andrew
This document describes the results of the accessibility impact analysis along the Rethinking I-94 study corridor where MnPASS lanes are proposed. The accessibility scenarios for MnPASS lanes along I-94 are evaluated for six scenarios and compared against the baseline—general purpose lanes. A separate automobile and transit accessibility analysis is conducted using the methodological procedures described below. The morning and afternoon peak hours are assessed in single direction and both direction cases, hence six scenarios per mode. The evaluations here focus on accessibility to jobs for morning peak hours and accessibility to workers for evening peak hours.
Accessibility Impact Analysis of I-94 MnPASS Lanes by Auto and Transit
(Accessibility Observatory, University of Minnesota, 2019-01-23) Carlson, Kristin M.; Cui, Mengying; Evans Engstrom, Shannon; Owen, Andrew
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valuable destinations. Accessibility can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent—as well as the most directly comparable between cities, and other geographic areas. This report focuses on changes in accessibility to jobs by auto and transit. Jobs are the most significant non-home destination, and job accessibility is an important consideration in the attractiveness and usefulness of a place or area. This report is an accessibility impact analysis for the proposed MnPASS lanes within the Rethinking I-94 corridor. The report includes an impact analysis for both auto and transit. For a detailed description of the methodology, please review the methodology sections within this report or consult the Accessibility Observatory’s Access Across America: Auto 2017 Methodology and Access Across America: Transit 2017 Methodology reports.
Access Across America: Walk 2022
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2024-09) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by walking or rolling for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by walking or rolling are calculated using detailed pathway networks and low-speed streets. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of job accessibility; a higher weight is given to closer jobs, as jobs closer to origins are more easily reached, and are thus more valuable, than those further away. Jobs reachable within ten minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Additionally, access to jobs by travel time is separately analyzed according to the income grouping of resident workers who experience that access. Because this is the first national pedestrian accessibility report since 2014, year-over-year changes in accessibility are not provided for each area. Future annual evaluations will include the changes over time.
Access Across America: Transit 2022
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2024-09) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by transit and walking for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by transit are calculated using detailed pedestrian networks and full transit schedules for the 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. period. The calculations include all components of a transit journey, including "last-mile" access and egress walking segments and transfers, and account for minute-by-minute variations in service frequency. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in transit accessibility are provided for each area. The 2022 reporting year reflects the ongoing modification of transit service levels after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the impacts to transit agencies of workforce and budget limitations. Thus the changes in accessibility include impacts of altered transit service in response to these challenges, as well as reductions in office commutes due to telework.
Access Across America: Biking 2022
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2024-09) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by biking for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by biking are calculated using detailed roadway networks classified by their Level of Traffic Stress (LTS). Rankings are determined by a weighted average of job accessibility; a higher weight is given to closer jobs, as jobs closer to origins are more easily reached, and are thus more valuable, than those further away. Jobs reachable within ten minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in accessibility by bike are provided for each area. The 2022 reporting year reflects the changes in bike infrastructure some cities have made, in part responding to changing travel behavior after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access Across America: Auto 2022
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2024-09) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by auto for each of the 11 million U.S. census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times are calculated using a detailed road network and speed data that reflect typical conditions for an 8 a.m. Wednesday morning departure. Additionally, the accessibility results for 8 a.m. are compared with accessibility results for 4 a.m. to estimate the impact of road and highway congestion on job accessibility. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of accessibility, with a higher weight given to closer, easier-to-access jobs. Jobs reachable within 10 minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in accessibility, and in congestion impacts on accessibility, are provided for each area. The 2022 reporting year reflects the ongoing changes in local travel behavior after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, including some return of congestion and but still higher peak speeds due to reductions in office commutes due to telework.
Access Across America: Transit 2021
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2023-07) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by transit and walking for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by transit are calculated using detailed pedestrian networks and full transit schedules for the 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. period. The calculations include all components of a transit journey, including "last-mile" access and egress walking segments and transfers, and account for minute-by-minute variations in service frequency. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in transit accessibility are provided for each area. The 2021 reporting year reflects the first travel year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; thus the changes in accessibility include impacts of altered transit service in response to changes in travel behavior, especially reductions in office commutes due to telework.
Access Across America: Biking 2021
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2023-07) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by biking for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by biking are calculated using detailed roadway networks classified by their Level of Traffic Stress (LTS). Rankings are determined by a weighted average of job accessibility; a higher weight is given to closer jobs, as jobs closer to origins are more easily reached, and are thus more valuable, than those further away. Jobs reachable within ten minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in accessibility by bike are provided for each area. The 2021 reporting year reflects the first travel year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Access Across America: Auto 2021
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2023-07) Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin; Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by auto for each of the 11 million U.S. census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times are calculated using a detailed road network and speed data that reflect typical conditions for an 8 a.m. Wednesday morning departure. Additionally, the accessibility results for 8 a.m. are compared with accessibility results for 4 a.m. to estimate the impact of road and highway congestion on job accessibility. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of accessibility, with a higher weight given to closer, easier-to-access jobs. Jobs reachable within 10 minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area. Year-over-year changes in accessibility, and in congestion impacts on accessibility, are provided for each area. The 2021 reporting year reflects the first travel year after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic; thus the changes in accessibility include impacts of reduced congestion and higher peak speeds due to changes in travel behavior, especially reductions in office commutes due to telework.
Access in Appalachia Pilot Implementation Project
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2024-05) Jain, Saumya; Lind, Eric; Owen, Andrew; Liu, Shirley Shiqin
The Access in Appalachia Pilot Implementation Project report is an exploration of transportation accessibility within the Appalachian Region. Here, Accessibility means the ease with which people can travel to valued destinations. Commissioned by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and led by the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, this project represents a significant leap forward in the understanding of the intersections between economic development, land use, and transportation infrastructure. Through innovative methodologies this project measures, analyzes, and visualizes the access of Appalachian residents to critical opportunities, including jobs, education, healthcare, entertainment, and intermodal freight facilities. The analyses reveal critical insights into transportation dynamics, land use practices, and accessibility nuances, often marked by the urban vs rural landscape within the Appalachian region, offering pathways for strategic development. The report highlights need for tailored transportation strategies, informed decision-making, and equitable planning to address the diverse needs of Appalachia's varied landscapes to foster socio-economic growth.
Access Across America: Transit 2020
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2023-03) Owen, Andrew
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by transit and walking for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in 49 of the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Transit is used for an estimated 5 percent of commuting trips in the United States, making it the second most widely used commute mode after driving. Travel times by transit are calculated using detailed pedestrian networks and full transit schedules for the 7:00 - 9:00 a.m. period. The calculations include all components of a transit journey, including "last-mile" access and egress walking segments and transfers, and account for minute-by-minute variations in service frequency. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area.
Access Across America: Biking 2020
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2023-03) Owen, Andrew
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This report focuses on accessibility to jobs by biking. Bicycle mode share for commute trips in the U.S. is typically very low and has remained stable at 0.6% of all commute trips since 2011; however, overall number of bicycle commuters nationwide has increased by 21.6% since 2010. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by biking for each of the United States' 11 million census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times by biking are calculated using detailed roadway networks classified by their Level of Traffic Stress (LTS). Rankings are determined by a weighted average of job accessibility; a higher weight is given to closer jobs, as jobs closer to origins are more easily reached, and are thus more valuable, than those further away. Jobs reachable within ten minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area.
Access Across America: Auto 2020
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2023-03) Owen, Andrew
Accessibility is the ease and feasibility of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured for a wide array of transportation modes, to different types of destinations, and at different times of day. There are a variety of ways to define accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This study estimates the accessibility to jobs by auto for each of the 11 million U.S. census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times are calculated using a detailed road network and speed data that reflect typical conditions for an 8 a.m. Wednesday morning departure. Additionally, the accessibility results for 8 a.m. are compared with accessibility results for 4 a.m. to estimate the impact of road and highway congestion on job accessibility. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of accessibility, with a higher weight given to closer, easier-to-access jobs. Jobs reachable within 10 minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes. This report presents detailed accessibility values for each metropolitan area, as well as block-level maps which illustrate the spatial patterns of accessibility within each area.
Access Across America: Transit 2014 (Research Brief)
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2014-10) Center for Transportation Studies
This two-page research brief summarizes the methodology, results, and policy implications of the research report Access Across America: Transit 2014 (CTS 14-11).
Access Across America: Auto 2019 Methodology
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2021-02) Owen, Andrew; Murphy, Brendan
Accessibility is the ease of reaching valued destinations. It can be measured across different times of day (accessibility in the morning rush might be lower than the less-congested midday period). It can be measured for each mode (accessibility by walking is usually lower than accessibility by transit, which is usually lower than accessibility by car). There are a variety of ways to measure accessibility, but the number of destinations reachable within a given travel time is the most comprehensible and transparent as well as the most directly comparable across cities. This report describes the data and methodology used in the Access Across America: Auto 2019 report, which estimates the accessibility to jobs by auto for each of the 11 million U.S. census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. Travel times are calculated using a detailed road network and speed data that reflect typical conditions for an 8 a.m. Wednesday morning departure. Additionally, the accessibility results for 8 a.m. are compared with accessibility results for 4 a.m. to estimate the impact of road and highway congestion on job accessibility. Rankings are determined by a weighted average of accessibility, with a higher weight given to closer, easier-to-access jobs. Jobs reachable within 10 minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes.

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