<![CDATA[Public transport accessibility is essential for sustainable urban mobility, yet disparities between urban centers and peripheral areas persist in many Indonesian medium-sized cities. This study examines how residents, operators, and local governments in Malang, Mataram, and Palu perceive these disparities and identifies factors shaping accessibility inequality and its implications for equitable transport planning. A qualitative comparative multiple-case study design was used, involving thirteen purposively selected informants—urban and peripheral residents, vulnerable groups, operators, and planners—through semi-structured interviews, field observations, and policy document analysis. Data were analyzed using the Miles, Huberman, and Saldaña thematic analysis framework via open, axial, and selective coding. Findings show significant disparities: central residents enjoy shorter access distances, higher frequency, better connectivity, and reliability, while peripheral communities face longer distances, weak first/last-mile connections, limited hours, higher costs, and reliance on informal transport. Barriers are especially severe for persons with disabilities, older adults, women, students, and low-income residents, linking transport disadvantage to social exclusion. Institutional constraints—limited budgets, uneven investment, declining ridership, and urban-centered planning—sustain these inequalities. Residents adopt adaptive strategies (motorcycle taxis, ride-sharing, schedule adjustments) that shift the burden onto individuals rather than resolving structural issues. The study concludes that accessibility disparities are multidimensional, requiring integrated feeder services, inclusive infrastructure, equitable investment, and stronger transport–land-use coordination, informed by Accessibility Theory, Transport Equity, and Center–Periphery perspectives.]]>
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