Empirical analysis of perceived inaccessibility in the Netherlands

Abstract

A growing body of research examines how people perceive accessibility, typically drawing from small-scale surveys in either urban or rural areas. The novelty of this study lies in analysing the heterogeneity in the perceived inability to reach different destinations, accounting for differences across population segments, regions, and transport modes at a nationwide scale. We apply destination-specific ordered logistic regression models and negative-exponential impedance functions, with data from the Dutch National Travel Survey (n = 81,182) alongside a dataset of nationwide cumulative opportunity accessibility measures. Results show that household income, employment, car or E-bike availability, and frequency of biking and driving are associated with lower perceived inaccessibility. Conversely, migration background and use of public transport are associated with higher perceived inaccessibility. The study findings highlight the importance of incorporating people’s capabilities in transport policy to improve accessibility and overall wellbeing.