Modal Accessibility Gap in Curitiba (Brazil). Dynamic Analysis Considering Time and Spatial Variations

Abstract

This paper analyzes the accessibility of Curitiba, Brazil, by combining high-detail, big-data-informed automobile dynamic distance matrices from TomTom Traffic Stats and a bus network database - GTFS data - provided by the Curitiba City Council. Accessibility is measured dynamically, considering the changing conditions of congestion levels and bus frequencies, along with the daily variation of mobility patterns. The accessibility gap between private and bus modes is estimated, and its daily variation is analyzed regarding its spatial and temporal distribution. This study identifies places with greater public transport supply deficiencies and locations with the greatest needs for public transport improvements, suggesting priority intervention areas to improve the accessibility of the population while promoting a shift toward more sustainable transport modes. The outcomes show the relative advantage of cars versus buses and that a higher portion of Curitiba’s population lives in areas with high accessibility gaps.