How can you create transport equity and accessibility targets?

1 Understand the context

The first step is to understand the context of your transport system and the needs and preferences of your users. This involves conducting a situational analysis, which can include collecting and analyzing data on the existing transport supply and demand, the socio-economic and demographic characteristics of the population, the spatial distribution of activities and destinations, and the barriers and gaps that affect access and mobility. You can also use qualitative methods, such as surveys, interviews, focus groups, or participatory mapping, to capture the perceptions, experiences, and aspirations of different groups of users, especially those who are marginalized, vulnerable, or underrepresented.

2 Define the objectives

The next step is to define the objectives of your transport equity and accessibility targets, which should align with your vision, mission, and values. You can use a framework, such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Social Justice Principles, or the Universal Design Principles, to guide your thinking and identify the relevant dimensions and aspects of equity and accessibility. For example, you may want to consider how your targets address the distributional, procedural, and recognition aspects of equity, or how they enhance the availability, affordability, acceptability, adaptability, and awareness aspects of accessibility.

3 Select the indicators

The third step is to select the indicators that will help you measure and monitor your progress towards your transport equity and accessibility targets. You can use a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators, depending on the data availability, reliability, and validity. You can also use different types of indicators, such as input, output, outcome, or impact indicators, depending on the level of analysis and the causal relationships you want to capture. Some examples of indicators are the mode share, the travel time, the travel cost, the access to opportunities, the satisfaction, the participation, or the empowerment of different groups of users.

4 Set the targets

The fourth step is to set the targets that will specify the desired level of achievement or improvement for each indicator. You can use different methods to set your targets, such as benchmarking, gap analysis, trend analysis, or scenario analysis. You can also use different types of targets, such as absolute, relative, or aspirational targets, depending on the baseline situation, the expected change, and the ambition level. For example, you may want to set a target of reducing the travel time gap between low-income and high-income households by 10% in five years, or increasing the mode share of public transport by 20% in ten years.

5 Implement the actions

The fifth step is to implement the actions that will help you achieve your transport equity and accessibility targets. You can use a variety of tools and strategies, such as planning, design, operation, regulation, pricing, subsidy, education, communication, or participation, to influence the transport supply and demand, as well as the behavior and attitudes of users and stakeholders. You can also use a participatory and inclusive approach, which involves engaging and empowering different groups of users and stakeholders throughout the process, to ensure that your actions are responsive, relevant, and respectful of their needs and preferences.

6 Evaluate the results

The final step is to evaluate the results of your actions and compare them with your transport equity and accessibility targets. You can use a systematic and rigorous method, such as a logic model, a theory of change, or a mixed-methods evaluation, to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, relevance, sustainability, and impact of your actions. You can also use a feedback and learning mechanism, which involves collecting and analyzing data, reporting and communicating findings, and making adjustments and improvements, to ensure that your actions are accountable, transparent, and adaptive to changing conditions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?