ABSTRACT
Accessibility refers to the relative ease by which the locations of activities such as work, school, shopping, recreation, and health care can be reached from a given location. Accessibility is an important issue for several reasons. Resources or services are scarce, and their efficient delivery requires adequate access by people. The spatial distribution of resources or services is not uniform, and needs effective planning and allocation to match demands. Disadvantaged population groups (e.g., lowincome and minority residents) often suffer from poor access to certain activities or opportunities because of their lack of economic or transportation means. Access can thus become a social justice issue, which calls for careful planning and public policies by government agencies.
