Public Transport Accessibility Score Estimator
Estimate how easy it is to rely on public transport in different cities. Compare transit coverage, frequency, and convenience side by side.
Check how transit-friendly a city feels
Estimate public transport accessibility using simple, static indicators like stop density, service frequency, and late-night availability.
Coverage Score
How well transit stops cover the city
Wait Times
Typical peak and off-peak wait times
Overall Score
0-100 transit accessibility rating
Compare Cities
Side-by-side transit comparison
Choose one or two cities to get started
Understanding Public Transport Accessibility
Learn how we estimate transit accessibility and what the scores mean.
What Is Public Transport Accessibility?
Public transport accessibility measures how easy it is for residents to rely on buses, trains, and other transit options for everyday travel. A city with high accessibility has frequent service, good coverage, and reasonable wait times—making it practical to live without a car.
This tool uses static indicators like stop density, service frequency, and late-night availability to estimate accessibility. It does not use real-time data or route-specific information.
How We Approximate Coverage and Frequency
Coverage Score: Based on the density of transit stops per square mile. More stops generally means better coverage, though it doesn't tell us about specific routes or destinations.
Frequency Score: Derived from average wait times during peak and off-peak hours. Shorter waits mean more frequent service, making transit more practical for everyday use.
Convenience Score: A combined measure that also factors in late-evening service availability and the share of residents living near frequent transit routes.
Interpreting the 0-100 Accessibility Score
Excellent: Strong, frequent transit that can serve as a primary transport mode. Many residents can live car-free.
Good: Transit is viable for many trips, especially during peak hours. Some car trips may still be necessary.
Moderate: Transit exists but may require planning. Car ownership is common.
Limited: Transit serves limited areas or hours. Most residents rely on cars.
Very Limited: Transit is minimal. A car is essentially required for most trips.
Comparing Cities with Different Transit Styles
Different cities have different transit philosophies. Some invest heavily in rail (subway, light rail) while others rely on bus networks. Some have extensive suburban coverage; others focus on urban cores.
When comparing cities, consider not just the overall score but also which metrics drive it. A city with high stop density but long wait times operates differently than one with fewer stops but very frequent service.
Limitations, Assumptions, and Data Gaps
- •Data is static and may be 1-2 years old. Recent service changes are not reflected.
- •Transit access varies dramatically by neighborhood. City-wide scores don't capture block-by-block differences.
- •This tool doesn't measure reliability, crowding, cleanliness, or user experience factors.
- •Not suitable for trip planning. Use local transit apps for specific routes and schedules.
- •Doesn't include ride-sharing, bike-share, or other mobility options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Public Transport Accessibility Score Estimator.
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