Assessment of the accessibility of public transport in the Tricity (Poland): analytical use of geographical information systems (GIS) in the context of selected public transport measures

ABSTRACTThe Tricity consists of three coastal cities – Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot – which also form the core of the Tricity agglomeration. They are among the main development centres of the country. Proper access to public transport for residents is crucial for the sustainable development of the agglomeration. Although the cities are connected by functional links in different areas, the further development of a coherent public transport system is problematic. It is therefore crucial to formulate the question of how these cities can develop the public (collective) transport network? Do residents have access to it and does it meet their needs? Are these measures complementary? A proprietary methodological approach using QGIS and ORS tools was used to conduct the survey. The results of the survey show that 83.5% of Tri-City residents have the nearest train, bus, tram or trolleybus stop within a 5-minute walk of their place of residence. This is followed by 14.39% of residents having a stop within 10 min, 1.47% within 15 min and 0.20% within 20 min. Unfavourable time accessibility applies to 0.45% of residents. The findings of the study may help Tricity local authorities to develop a sustainable public transport policy.