Measuring the Accessibility and Connectivity of the University of Thessaly Campuses in Volos
摘要
This paper presents a comprehensive study on the accessibility and connectivity of the four university facilities in Volos, focusing on transportation systems including buses, walking, and bicycles. Utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software, the research assesses the accessibility of Volos’ university campuses based on total travel time, serving as the primary metric. Travel times are measured for journeys to and from the campuses, providing insights into overall accessibility. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey was distributed among Volos’ academic community, inquiring transportation preferences, travel times, and challenges encountered. Results indicate an average travel time of 20 min to access most campuses via available transportation modes, aligning with survey responses. In addition, participants also shared insights into the obstacles faced by individuals with disabilities when utilizing transportation in Volos and expressed that access to the university campuses of Volos via the offered transportation options is nearly impossible for these individuals. This research sheds light on the transportation dynamics impacting university accessibility in Volos and highlights the disconnection between accessibility standards and the experiences of individuals with disabilities. These findings emphasize the importance of future policy changes and could aid decision makers improve accessibility and connectivity within university settings, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and accommodating environment for students, faculty, and visitors.