How to benchmark public transport accessibility in European cities

Abstract

Effective communication of land use–transport integration measures is increasingly important for sustainable transport planning and stakeholder engagement. Dissemination of best-practice examples in public transport planning has contributed to increased public transport use across many European cities. This paper presents comparative results from the application of the Spatial Network Analysis for Multimodal Urban Transport Systems (SNAMUTS) tool in six European cities between 2009 and 2011: Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Hamburg, Oporto, and Zuid Holland. It discusses the challenges of collecting compatible data across cities, categorises nine cities by their policy environments and accessibility outcomes, and critically reviews elements of best practice in land use–transport integration. The paper concludes with reflections on the value of international benchmarking in improving public transport accessibility.