GIS-Based Methodology for Assessing Public Transport Accessibility: A Case Study of Marrakech, Morocco

Abstract

The demographic evolution of urbanized areas necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of public transport connectivity and accessibility amidst urban changes. In Marrakech, a prominent Moroccan metropolis and tourist destination, urban mobility is characterized by various transportation modes, with buses being underutilized compared to other modes, leading to urban travel constraints such as traffic congestion and destination accessibility issues. This study focuses on measuring the level of accessibility to public transport, particularly for urban areas in Marrakech. Spatial analyses using GIS were conducted on a geodatabase containing bus stops and routes to determine travel duration, service area, and accessibility to nearby destinations. Revealing that approximately 62% of destinations have no access to bus services, while 0.73% have excellent access. Furthermore, a correlation analysis between the accessibility index and the frequency of the public transport system highlighted a decrease in accessibility as bus frequency decreased. Areas with low-frequency bus service faced challenges, emphasizing the impact of frequency on overall accessibility. The results provide valuable insights for sustainable development, especially in recently urbanized areas, where infrastructure improvements are crucial for addressing accessibility inequities.