2023-07-13-ADB-Quality_of_Life_Assessment_in_Urban_Development_and_Transport_Policymaking_191页_20mb

Quality of Life Accessibility Method
This method evaluates transport and urban projects based on individual quality of life (QOL), which incorporates both accessibility and perceived value. Unlike traditional cost-benefit analysis (CBA), it considers variations in personal attributes, such as age, gender, income, and social group, through stated preference surveys and weighting. The QOL accessibility model measures happiness by calculating accessible values, which depend on the existence of services and transport convenience, then sums them with personalized weights. This approach supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by ensuring equity and can be applied to various scales, from small communities to large urban networks.

Key advantages include its ability to capture non-monetary impacts, provide insights into equity through inclusive growth, and aid in disaster resilience planning.

Case Studies

• Japan: Case studies on expressways and street design demonstrate the method's effectiveness in measuring varied impacts, such as post-disaster recovery and pedestrian accessibility. Micro geo data were used to calculate QOL changes.
• United Kingdom: The UK's CBA with wider economic impacts was compared, highlighting the need to integrate qualitative measures like sustainability and social equity. Projects like HS2 were evaluated for transformational impacts.
• Germany: The cost-benefit analysis framework incorporated environmental and spatial impacts. Initiatives since 2016 focus on sustainability through revised policies and disaster resilience.
• India: Case studies on high-speed rail show how QOL varies by income. Results indicate improved access contributes to economic growth.
• Bangkok: QOL-MaaS combines mobility with demand response, reducing congestion and emissions by aligning utility with sufficiency.
• Remote Islands/Mountainous Areas: Projects in places like Iki City use concentration of living services to improve QOL through micro geo data.
• Disaster Recovery: Post-disaster evaluation in Japan measures QOL stages to prioritize recovery efforts.

Integration with Traditional CBA
The QOL method supplements traditional CBA by incorporating broader impacts, such as environmental and social factors. Case studies reveal that for large-scale projects, integrating QOL with monetized CBA provides a holistic view. Future assessments should blend both methods for more comprehensive decision-making.

Post COVID-19 and Global Context
The pandemic highlighted behavioral changes, like flexible work patterns, impacting transport needs. The QOL approach emphasizes adaptable policies, such as promoting MaaS for reduced urban strain. Advice includes incorporating climate goals and public health into project evaluations for equitable outcomes.

Policy Recommendations

• Use QOL assessments for equitable development and to integrate with SDGs.
• Overcome data constraints in developing economies through partnerships and remote sensing.
• Incorporate behavioral data and environmental factors into evaluations.
• Aim for multi-level monetization in future research.

Conclusion and Future Use
The QOL accessibility method offers a robust framework to evaluate projects beyond traditional financial metrics. In an era of climate change and digital transformation, this approach can universally enhance decision-making for sustainable and livable cities.