Spatial Equity Assessment of Bus Travel Behavior for Pilgrimage: Evidence from Lhasa, Tibet, China

Abstract

Travel equity has always been an important but difficult topic in urban traffic research, especially for different groups. Firstly, based on bus operation, this paper constructs the ride change network using the ArcGIS platform. Secondly, through network analysis and based on the transfer network, the time measurement model of bus stops and the time accessibility measurement model of the traffic zones are used to measure and analyze bus stops and traffic zones, respectively. Finally, combined with the global and local spatial autocorrelation model, the travel space allocation equilibrium of pilgrimage is quantified. This case study shows that the time accessibility index reflects the fairness of pilgrimage resource allocation well. According to the overall and local Moran’s I index, the spatial distribution of the configuration equilibrium of the traffic zone is obtained. This paper offers two contributions to the literature: an assessment of the travel fairness of pilgrimage and conclusions that fill the research gaps on the travel equity of vulnerable groups. In this paper, the spatial fairness of pilgrimage behavior is studied, which reflects the fairness and balance of the public transportation system for pilgrimage, as well as the travel fairness of pilgrimage in various regions. The presented knowledge can promote the fairness of residential travel and achieve social equity.