Determination of accessibility of railway stations

The aim of this study is to evaluate the accessibility levels of railway stations for pedestrians and private vehicle users, thereby contributing to the development of strategies to increase the usability of railway transportation. Within the scope of the study, railway stations across Turkey located in regions with different population sizes are divided into four categories. Accessibility analyses for each category are carried out using two different methods: the direct shortest path algorithm and the hybrid shortest path algorithm. Data collected through the direct shortest path algorithm are analyzed for a 1.2 km pedestrian access distance. The results of the hybrid algorithm, which take into account the road network and real walking conditions, reveal lower average access distances, thereby providing a more realistic assessment of station accessibility. The findings demonstrate varying accessibility levels depending on population size. Correlation analyses reveal a strong relationship between distance and access times. By presenting a comprehensive assessment of railway station accessibility, this study aims to contribute to the improvement of Turkey's railway infrastructure and transport policies. Identifying the accessibility levels of stations will help make railway transportation more user-friendly and accessible, thereby supporting the development of a sustainable and efficient transport system.