The use of open data for estimating rail accessibility in Europe [L’utilizzo degli Open Data per la stima dell’accessibilità ferroviaria in Europa]

Straightforward indicators of rail accessibility were studied using a time-based element using General Transit Feed Specification (GTFS) data. The study investigated two main aspects of the accessibility, transport component based on real time table and temporal component based on service availability and calendar. First of all, it was found different approach in stops definition between Netherlands and Great Britain. In the first case, each platform is coded as a single stop on the contrary in Great Britain the approach is to identify every station as a unique stop. The level of detail of the timetable information combined with the insight from geographical information, including demographics and socioeconomic data, would enhance the understanding of accessibility and the metrics useful to promote a more efficient use of the transport systems, beyond mere centrality connectivity considerations.