Public Transit and Health Access in Utrecht's 10-Minute City Vision

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between public transit accessibility and health amenities within the framework of Utrecht's '10-minute city' vision. The study focuses on five neighborhoods: Wittevrouwen, Leidsche Rijn-Centrum, Lombok-Oost, Vechtzoom-Zuid, and Kanaleneiland-Noord. The research aims to determine how effectively the current public transportation system supports the 10-minute city goals, specifically in terms of access to health amenities and public transport. Using a combination of distance-based and gravity-based measures, the study maps accessibility via public transit and walking, providing a comprehensive analysis of the transit network's effectiveness.

The findings reveal significant variability in accessibility across different neighborhoods, with Wittevrouwen and Leidsche Rijn-Centrum showing higher accessibility scores due to more frequent and reliable public transit services. In contrast, Vechtzoom-Zuid exhibits considerable internal variability, with some areas showing high accessibility and others much lower, indicating a dependence on specific locations within the neighborhood. Kanaleneiland-Noord generally exhibits lower accessibility, highlighting the need for targeted improvements in these areas. Achieving the vision of a 10-minute city is highly dependent on which indicators, amenities, and services fall under this term. The variability in definitions and categories used in different studies underscores the importance of context-specific criteria and priorities set by each municipality.

Overall, the study provides valuable insights into the spatial distribution of healthcare services and underscores the importance of public transport in achieving the 10-minute city vision. It highlights areas where improvements in public transport infrastructure and service quality can significantly enhance healthcare accessibility, supporting Utrecht's goal of creating a more inclusive, sustainable, and connected urban environment.