Accessibility and transport infrastructure around Paola retail area

Abstract

Retail can be recognised as one of the world's largest industry and it is very important for the economic development of Malta, as it is one of the most important means by which most people can gain access to goods and services. This research is about studying accessibility and transport infrastructure in Paola with particular attention to the town centre. The research methodology is based on several books, journals, papers and online documents dealing with the relationship between retail and transport and the use of GIS in analysing these relationships. The primary sources will consist of the questionnaires, the transport infrastructure survey, the traffic counts and bus surveys. Analysis tools and secondary data will also provide supporting evidence, with most of the analyses will be visualised and analysed using Geographic Information System (GIS). The hypothesis is that due to the high number of bus routes that pass through Paola, the area is most accessible by bus with the majority of customers using this mode of transport. Another outcome is that the transport infrastructures have no effect on the potential of the retail area. However, it concludes by identifying Paola as a major hub with parking problems particularly related to the arrival of commuters by car.