AccessScore

AccessScore is an analysis that assesses the infrastructure and demographic characteristics around transit stations that relate to how supportive of bicycling and walking the area is and how much bicycle and pedestrian activity could be occurring there. The analysis includes Regional Rail, light rail, trolley, and subway stations throughout the Philadelphia region with service provided by SEPTA, NJ TRANSIT, and PATCO.

To create AccessScore, DVRPC gathered and analyzed data on station area characteristics such as land use, demographics, transit density, safety, and non-motorized access. Characteristics within 2 miles of the station are scored on a scale of 1-5 and added together to create an overall AccessScore, meant to show how generally accessible a transit station is by all modes. Together, the scores of these individual characteristics, and a station's total AccessScore, will give transit agencies, trail advocacy groups and municipalities a picture of the station area characteristics that contribute to demand for bicycle and pedestrian facilities. Ultimately, AccessScore may help communities identify and prioritize improvements designed to strengthen pedestrian, cycling, and transit connectivity.

In addition to AccessScore, staff defined and calculated a PedestrianScore and a CycleScore for each station. Analysis definitions can be seen in the map to the right and here.

Contact: Thom Stead | tstead@dvrpc.org

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Explore the Map

How To

Take a quick tour

Clicking on a rail station will zoom in and display scoring analysis catchment areas based on the active scoring analysis method (AccessScore, CycleScore, or PedestrianScore). You will then be able to view the stations AccessScore, CycleScore, and PedestrianScore overall scores (1-10) as well as each individual characteristic scores (0-5) and data values.

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Scoring Types

Change the various station scoring analysis methods by clicking on the green, purple or orange rectangle. This will toggle the station's scoring value on the map.

AccessScore

Characteristics
within 2 miles
of the station.

CycleScore

Characteristics within the existing all ages and abilities cycle shed.
(up to 2 miles)

PedestrianScore

Characteristics within the existing sidewalk network shed.
(up to 1 mile)

Station Scoring

Compare a station's scores for all three scoring analysis methods (AccessScore, CycleScore, and PedestrianScore). The scores are the sum for each station's characteristic normalized to a 1 (low) to 10 (high) scale. For more information on scoring analysis methods click here.

Scoring Characteristics and Data Values

View a station's characteristic scores and data values. Click the to see definitions and sources.

Station Area Land Use and Density

Demographics

Transit Density and Access

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Access

This analysis tool assesses the infrastructure and demographic characteristics around transit stations that relate to how supportive of bicycling and walking the area is and how much bicycle and pedestrian activity there is or could be. The analysis includes Region Rail and heavy rail, light rail, trolley, subway stations throughout the Philadelphia region with service provided by SEPTA, NJ TRANSIT, and PATCO.

To create this score, DVRPC staff collected data on station area characteristics that are likely to be factors in whether walk, cycle, or drive to transit stations. The sum of those factors, within two miles of the station, is calculated to give each station a total AccessScore. Together, these individual factors, and a station's total AccessScore, will give transit agencies, trail advocacy groups and municipalities a picture of the station area characteristics that contribute to demand for bicycle facilities and amenities. Ultimately, AccessScore may help communities identify and prioritize improvements designed to strengthen pedestrian, cycling, and transit connectivity.

In addition to AccessScore, which measures the potential demand for and supply of facilities for both walkers and people biking, the project team developed a score focused on pedestrians and one focused solely on bicycle-friendliness.

PedestrianScore: uses the existing sidewalk network to create a boundary for scoring walkability near stations. It defines the catchment area as the distance that can be walked continuously on existing sidewalks up to 1 mile. All categories are scored by what is present within that catchment area.

CycleScore: uses DVRPC's Bicycle Level of Traffic Stress (LTS) analysis to create a boundary for scoring cycling near stations. It defines the catchment areas as the distance that can be cycled continuously on LTS 1 and 2 road segments that abut the station up to two miles. All categories are scored by what is present within that catchment area.

For more information:

Thom Stead | Senior Transportation Planner, Office of Transit, Bicycle, and Pedestrian Planning
tstead@dvrpc.org

Civic and Cultural Attractors - Civic and cultural attractors include: libraries, US Post Offices, municipal buildings (excluding maintenance facilities), museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, and zoos.

Scoring: Total number of civic and cultural attractors within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area.

AccessScore

High (5) = 21 - 92
Medium-High (4) = 14 - 20
Medium (3) = 11 - 13
Low-Medium (2) = 6 - 10
Low (1) = 1 - 5

CycleScore

High (5) = 15 - 83
Medium-High (4) = 8 - 14
Medium (3) = 5 - 7
Low-Medium (2) = 3 - 4
Low (1) = 1 - 2

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 9 - 51
Medium-High (4) = 6 - 7
Medium (3) = 4 - 5
Low-Medium (2) = 3
Low (1) = 1 - 2

Sources: NETS (2015), DVRPC.

Employees - Total number of known employees, as identified in National Establishment Time-Series (NETS) data. Employees located near transit may be more likely to use transit; with incentives like proximity, lack of parking, and quality sidewalk and trail connections, that likelihood could increase as the density of employees increases near the station.

Scoring: Total number of employees within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area.

AccessScore

High (5) = 40,550 - 355,862
Medium-High (4) = 26,816 - 40,549
Medium (3) = 21,799 - 26,815
Low-Medium (2) = 16,451 - 21,798
Low (1) = 1 - 16,450

CycleScore

High (5) = 27,322 - 339,308
Medium-High (4) = 11,698 - 27,321
Medium (3) = 7,653 - 11,697
Low-Medium (2) = 2,236 - 7,652
Low (1) = 1 - 2,235

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 14,262- 235,651
Medium-High (4) = 8,120 - 14,261
Medium (3) = 4,917 - 8,119
Low-Medium (2) = 2,422 - 4,916
Low (1) = 1 - 2,421

Sources: NETS (2015), DVRPC.

Essential Services - Essential services are food stores, schools/colleges/universities, health facilities, and activity centers for seniors and the developmentally or physically disabled.

Scoring: Total number of essential servcies within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area.

AccessScore

High (5) = 200 - 441
Medium-High (4) = 73 - 199
Medium (3) = 48 - 72
Low-Medium (2) = 27 - 47
Low (1) = 1 - 26

CycleScore

High (5) = 163 - 396
Medium-High (4) = 38 - 162
Medium (3) = 20 - 37
Low-Medium (2) = 7 - 19
Low (1) = 1 - 6

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 62 - 197
Medium-High (4) = 25 - 61
Medium (3) = 14 - 24
Low-Medium (2) = 8 - 13
Low (1) = 1 - 7

To learn more about essential services throughout the DVRPC region visit our Equity Through Access Maptoolkit.

Sources: DVRPC, HRSA (2020), NCES (2017-2018), NETS (2015).

Parks and Open Space - Transit stations have been evaluated for their proximity to outdoor destinations in the Greater Philadelphia Region that may attract cyclists and walkers. These destinations include federal, state, and county parks (greater than 10 acres), arboretums, and cemeteries. Scores measure a station's proximity to any of these types of recreational bicycle and pedestrian destinations.

Scoring:

High (5) = On/adjacent (within ¼ mile)
Medium-High (4) = ¼-1/2 mile
Medium (3) = 1/2 mile - 1 mile
Low-Medium (2)= 1 - 2 miles
Low (1) = > 2 miles

Sources: DVRPC, with feedback from the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia.

Walkable Retail Corridors and Centers - This measure evaluates a transit station's proximity to a concentration of walkable retail uses. In Philadelphia County, the Philadelphia Planning Commission has identified "Walkable Commercial Corridors" - specific portions of corridors that are both comfortable for a pedestrian and have a retail focus. Within the surrounding counties, DVRPC has identified "Centers" - places with a unique sense of place, existing infrastructure, and opportunities for development. Taken together, these corridors and places make up some of the region's most notable destinations.

Scoring:

High (5) = On/adjacent (within ¼ mile)
Medium-High (4) = ¼-1/2 mile
Medium (3) = 1/2 mile - 1 mile
Low-Medium (2)= 1 - 2 miles
Low (1) = > 2 miles

Sources: Philadelphia Department of Planning and Development, DVRPC.

Indicators of Potential Disadvantage - The Indicators of Potential Disadvantage (IPD) analysis identifies populations of interest under Title VI and EJ using U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) 2015-2019 five-year estimates data and maps these populations in each of the Census tracts in the region via GIS. Each population group is an “indicator” in the analysis and includes the following: Youth, Older Adults, Female, Racial Minority, Ethnic Minority, Foreign-Born, Limited English Proficiency, Disabled, and Low-Income.

Scoring: IPD Overall Score.

High (5) = well above average
Medium-High (4) = above average
Medium (3) = average
Low-Medium (2) = below average
Low (1) = well below average

To learn more visit: Equity Analysis for the Greater Philadelphia Region.

Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates, DVRPC.

Population Density - Transit stations are rated on the concentration of residents - potential transit customers and origins for transit - within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area. Greater population densities within station areas increase the potential for a transit customer base.

Scoring: Total persons within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area.

AccessScore

High (5) = 210,145 - 303,049
Medium-High (4) = 121,940 - 210,144
Medium (3) = 77,205 - 121,939
Low-Medium (2) = 51,817 - 77,204
Low (1) = 1 - 51,816

CycleScore

High (5) = 160,571 - 276,064
Medium-High (4) = 63,604 - 160,570
Medium (3) = 39,800 - 63,603
Low-Medium (2) = 21,609 - 39,799
Low (1) = 1 - 21,608

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 79,472 - 162,423
Medium-High (4) = 47,315 - 79,471
Medium (3) = 29,588 - 47,314
Low-Medium (2) = 19,100 - 29,587
Low (1) = 1 - 19,099

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates.

Zero-vehicle Households - Families or individuals that do not own or have access to a vehicle and use transit, walking, non-motorized modes, or ridesharing to make trips. Zero-vehicle Households uses tract-level ASC 2019.

Scoring: Total number of zero-vehicle households within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area.

AccessScore

High (5) = 5,828 - 10,481
Medium-High (4) = 3,467 - 5,827
Medium (3) = 1,819 - 3,466
Low-Medium (2) = 1,138 - 1,819
Low (1) = 1 - 1,137

CycleScore

High (5) = 4,632 - 9,243
Medium-High (4) = 1,749 - 4,631
Medium (3) = 908 - 1,748
Low-Medium (2) = 448 - 907
Low (1) = 1 - 447

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 2,314 - 5,559
Medium-High (4) = 1,355 - 2,313
Medium (3) = 676 - 1,354
Low-Medium (2) = 451 - 675
Low (1) = 1 - 450

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates.

Nonparking Passenger Boards - Transit stations are evaluated for the number of vehicles parked at the station as a percentage of the number of passengers that board trains. This difference between passenger boards and the number of parked cars can be used as an approximation of the number of passengers who access the station via walking, bicycling or getting dropped off by someone else. Stations have been rated based on the percentage of nonparking passengers.

Scoring: Percent of nonparking passengers.

High (5) = 40.14% - 100%
Medium-High (4) = 22.01% - 40.13%
Medium (3) = 12.45% - 22%
Low-Medium (2) = 1.01% - 12.44%
Low (1) = 1%

Sources: SEPTA, NJTRANSIT, PATCO, DVRPC.

Percentage of Local Drivers - This layer uses DVRPC's most recent license plate survey data for each station to determine the percentage of vehicles driving to and parking at a station from within a two mile radius. For more information on how license plate survey data is collected, please visit: DVRPC's Park and Ride Passenger Origins Webmap .

Scoring: Total vehicles from 2 miles or less / total of count cars from survey year.

AccessScore

High (5) = 76.1% - 100%
Medium-High (4) = 59.4% - 76.0%
Medium (3) = 37.7% - 59.3%
Low-Medium (2) = 21.2% - 37.6%
Low (1) = 0% - 21.1%

CycleScore

High (5) = 71.5% - 100%
Medium-High (4) = 42.7% - 71.4%
Medium (3) = 19.0% - 42.6%
Low-Medium (2) = 6.5% - 18.9%
Low (1) = 0.0% - 6.4%

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 68.8% - 100%
Medium-High (4) = 36.2% - 68.7%
Medium (3) = 16.5% - 36.1%
Low-Medium (2) = 4.9% - 16.4%
Low (1) = 0% - 4.8%

Source: DVRPC (2020).

Transit Vehicle Volume - Total number of buses and trains that serve the area at or around each station per day. The larger the volume of transit vehicles, the more connected a place is, as it's the concentrations of transit vehicles - both rail and bus - that create options for riders to access destinations via public transit. Each station is scored on how many transit vehicles pass within 500 feet of the station in a twenty-four hour time period.

Scoring: Total transit vehicles within 24 hours.

High (5) = 1,478 - 9,849
Medium-High (4) = 417 - 1,477
Medium (3) = 197 - 416
Low-Medium (2) = 115 - 196
Low (1) = 1 - 114

Sources: SEPTA, NJTRANSIT, PATCO, Google, DVRPC.

Circuit Trail Proximity - This measure assesses how close a transit station is to a Circuit Trail, Greater Philadelphia's existing and planned network of 750 miles of walking and biking trails aimed at connecting the region to communities, jobs, and parks. Sections of the network are at various stages of the design and construction process. Programmed sections, those sections that have secured funding or are under construction, and existing sections, those sections that have been built and are open to the public, were included in this measure.

Scoring:

High (5) = On/adjacent (within ¼ mile)
Medium-High (4) = ¼-1/2 mile
Medium (3) = 1/2 mile - 1 mile
Low-Medium (2)= 1 - 2 miles
Low (1) = > 2 miles

Source: DVRPC.

Connectivity Score - The connectivity of a place's street network that can be used to determine a community's walkability.

Scoring: Intersection density within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area.

AccessScore

High (5) = 0.2 - 0.34
Medium-High (4) = 0.12 - 0.19
Medium (3) = 0.08 - 0.11
Low-Medium (2) = 0.05 - 0.07
Low (1) = 0.0 - 0.04

CycleScore

High (5) = 0.72 - 1.0
Medium-High (4) = 0.43 - 0.71
Medium (3) = 0.19 - 0.42
Low-Medium (2) = 0.07 - 0.18
Low (1) = 0.0 - 0.06

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 0.69 - 1.0
Medium-High (4) = 0.37 - 0.68
Medium (3) = 0.17 - 0.36
Low-Medium (2) = 0.05 - 0.16
Low (1) = 0.0 - 0.04

Source: DVRPC.

Crashes - The sum of crashes within each catchment area that resulted in a killed or severely injured person (KSI). KSI crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians are shown below in the Cyclescore and PedestrianScore headings, respectively. Catchments with the lowest number of crashes received the highest scores.

Scoring: 2015-2019 KSI Crashes within 500 feet of scoring analysis catchment area.

AccessScore (All KSI)

Low (5) = 4 - 23
Low-Medium (4) = 24 - 41
Medium (3) = 42 - 72
Medium-High (2) = 73 - 166
High (1) = 167 - 328

CycleScore (Bicycle KSI)

Low (5) = 1 - 4
Low-Medium (4) = 5 - 11
Medium (3) = 12 - 29
Medium-High(2) = 30 - 137
High (1) = 138 - 243

PedestrianScore (Pedestrian KSI)

Low (5) = 1 - 4
Low-Medium (4) = 5 - 10
Medium (3) = 11 - 19
Medium-High (2) = 20 - 48
High (1) = 49 - 107

To learn more visit: DVRPC Crash Data Viewer.

Sources: PennDOT, NJDOT.

Low Stress Bicycle Shed - This station characteristic shows the connected roadway segments (also known as LTS islands) that abut the station and fall into Level of Traffic Stress 1 and 2. Segments that are LTS 1 and 2 are considered to be suitable for bicycling for people of all ages and abilities. The score for this category is determined by the sum length in lineal feet of the LTS 1+2 islands are placed into 5 categories and ranked shortest to longest.

Scoring: LTS Low-stress (1+2) islands sum of length in miles.

AccessScore

High (5) = 177.47 - 289.53
Medium-High (4) = 94.90 - 177.46
Medium (3) = 39.33 - 94.89
Low-Medium (2) = 12.09 - 39.32
Low (1) = 1 - 12.08

CycleScore

High (5) = 125.52 - 250.66
Medium-High (4) = 57.59 - 125.51
Medium (3) = 34.81 - 57.58
Low-Medium (2) = 10.69 - 34.8
Low (1) = 1 - 10.68

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 50.14 - 88.64
Medium-High (4) = 30.99 - 50.13
Medium (3) = 21.06 - 30.98
Low-Medium (2) = 7.29 - 21.05
Low (1) = 1 - 7.28

Source: DVRPC.

Sidewalk Network Shed - This station characteristic shows sidewalk networks that abut stations.

Scoring: Sum of sidewalk length in linear feet.

AccessScore

High (5) = 1,731.48 - 4,104.85
Medium-High (4) = 713.86 - 1,731.47
Medium (3) = 246.85 - 713.85
Low-Medium (2) = 58.48 - 246.84
Low (1) = 1 - 58.47

CycleScore

High (5) = 1,029.34 - 3,810.89
Medium-High (4) = 388.20 - 1,029.33
Medium (3) = 108.03 - 388.19
Low-Medium (2) = 21.99 - 108.02
Low (1) = 1 - 21.98

PedestrianScore

High (5) = 585.50 - 2,544.77
Medium-High (4) = 296.28 - 585.49
Medium (3) = 103.56 - 296.27
Low-Medium (2) = 27.36 - 103.55
Low (1) = 1 - 27.35

Source: DVRPC.

Building Footprints - Indicates the shape and location of buildings.
Sources: OpenStreetMap Contributors, Mapbox.
Aerial Imagery @ Nearmap
Bus Stops - SEPTA and NJT Transit Stop locations.
Source: SEPTA and NJTRANSIT.
SEPTA and NJTRANSIT Bus Routes - SEPTA and NJT Transit Routes.
Source: SEPTA and NJTRANSIT.

Pedestrian Network includes both sidewalks and crosswalks.

Sidewalks - The presence of paved pedestrian facilities, based on aerial imagery from 2015 (NJ counties), 2017 (PA counties), and 2018 (Philadelphia).
Source: DVRPC.
Crosswalks - Painted pedestrian crossings of various types, based on aerial imagery from 2015 (NJ counties), 2017 (PA counties), and 2018 (Philadelphia).
Source: DVRPC.

The Circuit Trails - Existing and in progress regional network of multi-use trails in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
Source: DVRPC.
On-Street Bike Network - On-road bicycle facilities (bike lanes) of various kinds throughout the region.
Source: City of Philadelphia.
Level of Bicycle Traffic Stress 3+4 - streets that are higher stress and typically less comfortable for bicycle riders, based on DVRPC LTS analysis. LTS assignment is based on number of traffic lanes, effective speed, and presence and type of bicycle facility.
Source: DVRPC.
High Injury Network (City of Phila.) - Corridors in the City of Philadelphia with the highest rates of fatalities and serious injuries per mile, based on PennDOT data from 2014 through 2018.
Source: City of Philadelphia.
Indicators of Potential Disadvantage - Developed by DVRPC for equity analyses. The IPD analysis identifies populations of interest under Title VI and EJ using U.S. Census American Community Survey (ACS) 2015-2019 five-year estimates data.
IPD Classifications

Well Above Average

Above Average

Average

Below Average

Well Below Average

Source: DVRPC.
Essential Services - Inventoried by DVRPC's Equity Through Access project, essential services include food stores, schools/colleges/universities, health facilities, and activity centers for seniors and the developmentally or physically disabled.
Sources: DVRPC, HRSA (2020), NCES (2017-2018), NETS (2015).
Civic and Cultural Resources - An inventory of libraries, US Post Offices, municipal buildings (excluding maintenance facilities), museums, art galleries, botanical gardens, zoos.
Sources: NETS (2015), DVRPC.
City of Philadelphia Gun Violence (2016-2021) - Gun Violence Victims in Philadelphia from The City of Philadelphia Controller's Office.
Source: City of Philadelphia.
Suburban Downtown Retail Districts - An inventory of suburban downtown retail districts created by DVRPC in 2013 and updated in 2020.
Source: DVRPC.
Walkable Commercial Corridors - A street type defined and assigned in the 2012 Philadelphia Complete Streets Design Handbook. These streets are active commercial corridors with pedestrian-friendly physical development patterns.
Source: City of Philadelphia.
Parks and Open Space - Includes federal, state, county and municipal parks (greater than 10 acres), arboretums, and cemeteries.
Source: DVRPC.
DVRPC Land Use (2015) - The classification of land according to what activities take place on it or how it is being used; for example, agricultural, industrial, residential, rural, or commercial.
Land Use Classifications

Agriculture

Commercial

Industrial

Institutional

Residential

Military

Mining

Recreation

Transportation

Undeveloped

Utility

Wooded

Water

Source: DVRPC.
Employees - Total number of known employees per census tract.
Employees per Census Tract

49 - 670

671 - 1,042

1,043 - 1,672

1,673 - 2,828

2,829 - 62,155

Sources: NETS (2015), U.S. Census Bureau, DVRPC.
Population - Total number of known persons per census tract.
Persons per Census Tract

40 - 2,659

2,670 - 3,565

3,566 - 4,415

4,416 - 5,585

5,586 - 12,549

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates.
Zero-vehicle Households - Total number of households per census tract that do not own or have access to a vehicle.
Households per Census Tract

9 - 65

66 - 86

87 - 108

109 - 136

137 - 406

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Estimates.

Explore the Map

Scoring Types

Station Scoring

Scoring Characteristics and Data Values

Station Area Land Use and Density

Demographics

Transit Density and Access

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Access

Station Area Land Use and Density

Demographics

Transit Density and Access

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Access

AccessScore

For more information:

Data Disclaimer

Station Area Land Use and Density

Demographics

Transit Density and Access

Bicycle and Pedestrian Safety and Access

Base Layers Information and Legends

Scoring Analysis Methods