ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the policy and institutional context, particularly in the United States, for developing accessibility concepts as a lens through which to evaluate transportation and land use. It attempts to locate the discussion of accessibility in the policy and institutional context, particularly in the United States. Methodologies to conceptualize and analyse land use and transportation initiatives through the lens of accessibility appear to have the potential for a robust understanding of the performance of the metropolitan transportation and land use systems and developing insights into how to improve them. The institutional structure of transit organization at both the metropolitan and national levels also constrains the implementation of policy based on expanding accessibility. Graham's measurement of agglomeration benefits relies upon a sophisticated analysis of individual industries, and requires very detailed input of specific information. The automobile system absorbs the financial inadequacy caused by austerity through inadequate maintenance of infrastructure, with impacts that become visible more slowly.
