Ely, a historic city in Cambridgeshire, offers surprisingly strong public transport accessibility, especially when considering walkable access to bus stops. Using QGIS and OpenStreetMap (OSM) data, the Bozmaps team built a detailed analysis and visualisation of public transport access, aiming to understand and improve the situation further — especially for people with reduced mobility.

Objectives

  • Map all bus stops and bus routes in Ely.

  • Analyse walking distance accessibility to bus stops.

  • Identify opportunities to improve access for those with disabilities or reduced mobility.

  • Demonstrate how open-source GIS tools like QGIS can support urban planning and transport design.

Impact & Applications

  • Open data and open-source GIS tools unlock powerful ways to map, measure, and communicate urban accessibility.

  • Spatial analysis drives smarter, more inclusive urban planning — making inequalities visible and solvable.

  • GIS-driven insights empower planners, citizens, and leaders to design cities that are more accessible, equitable, and resilient for everyone.

Key Findings

  • Complete 5-Minute Coverage: Every part of Ely is within a 5-minute walk of a bus stop — making it an ideal city for sustainable public transport.

  • Opportunities for Improvement:

    • 2-minute walking distance analysis shows minor gaps, especially critical for people with disabilities or limited mobility.

    • Adding micro-mobility options (e.g., shuttle services, mobility scooters) or installing additional stops could make public transport even more accessible.

Live Map Viewer - Explore Ely in 3D

The interactive map below shows bus stops, routes, and 2-minute walking distance isochrones, with buildings shaded based on whether they fall within or outside the 2-minute accessibility zone.

Next Steps

  • Further Research: Conduct surveys with residents to validate accessibility findings.

  • Planning Recommendations: Advocate for urban planning policies that prioritize ultra-close bus stop spacing in strategic areas (senior housing, hospitals, schools).

  • Technology Integration: Use real-time accessibility tools and integrate with future apps and transport planners.

Case Study - Public Transport

Visualising Bus Stop Accessibility

Ely, Cambridgeshire

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