A Spatial Fuzzy Multicriteria Analysis of Accessibility: A Case Study in Brazil

Accessibility is a well-established concept in sustainable transportation literature; however, it is often measured through accessibility models that are still being developed. This article presents an accessibility evaluation model that applies multiple attributes, fuzzy functions, and spatial analysis tools. The model determines indices that reflect an average level of attractiveness for each potential destination (deemed a location of interest-LI). Each destination has different weights based on its degree of importance. Moreover, the model was developed in two phases: The first considered cost-distance metrics, and the second incorporated ground friction factors. The application of the model provides great contribution to the region under study (Campos do JordAo, a city located in a mountainous region of the state of SAo Paulo), thus presenting some implications for sustainable urban planning and mobility policies, especially in segregated areas with mixed inhabitant populations between tourists and local residents. The results have shown that special attention should be paid to planning new school facilities and city transportation systems. Most of these services are currently concentrated in the city's downtown area, making access to urban facilities inefficient and unfair. Using the results in urban projects, the allocation of future urban facilities or the reallocation of current urban facilities contributes to reduced impacts on urban mobility caused by individual motorized transportation in daily activities.