Accessibility Observatory Reports

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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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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.
Access Across America: Auto 2019
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2021-02) Owen, Andrew; Murphy, Brendan
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. A separate publication, Access Across America: Auto 2019 Methodology, describes the data and methodology used in this evaluation.
Access Across America: Biking 2017 Methodology
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2019-07) Owen, Andrew; Murphy, Brendan
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 describes the data and methodology used in the Access Across America: Biking 2017 report, which estimates the accessibility to jobs by bicycle for each of the 11 million U.S. census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. 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.
Access Across America: Biking 2017
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2019-07) Owen, Andrew; Murphy, Brendan
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. A separate publication, Access Across America: Biking 2017 Methodology, describes the data and methodology used in this evaluation.
Access Across America: Biking 2019 Methodology
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2020-11) Owen, Andrew; Murphy, Brendan
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 describes the data and methodology used in the Access Across America: Biking 2019 report, which estimates the accessibility to jobs by bicycle for each of the 11 million U.S. census blocks and analyzes these data in the 50 largest (by population) metropolitan areas. 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.
Access Across America: Biking 2019
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2020-11) Owen, Andrew; Murphy, Brendan
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). As of the 2016 version of LEHD LODES data, statistics for federal jobs and workers are no longer included in the datasets. Accessibility data included in this report may be less accurate in metropolitan areas with large proportions of federal jobs, such as Washington, D.C. 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. A separate publication, Access Across America: Biking 2019 Methodology, describes the data and methodology used in this evaluation.
Access Across America: Auto 2018 Methodology
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2020-04) 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 2018 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-toaccess jobs. Jobs reachable within 10 minutes are weighted most heavily, and jobs are given decreasing weights as travel time increases up to 60 minutes.
Access Across America: Auto 2018
(Center for Transportation Studies, University of Minnesota, 2020-03) Owen, Andrew; Murphy, Brendan
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-toaccess 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. A separate publication, Access Across America: Auto 2018 Methodology, describes the data and methodology used in this evaluation.