Urban Development and Sustainable Mobility: A Spatial Analysis in the Buenos Aires Metropolitan Area

Lorea Mendiola and Pilar González
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Lorea Mendiola: Department of Applied Economics I, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 20018 Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
Pilar González: Department of Quantitative Methods & Institute for Public Economics, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), 48015 Bilbao, Spain

Land, 2021, vol. 10, issue 2, 1-23

Abstract: This study provides empirical evidence on the links between urban development factors and the use of specific modes of transport in commuting in the Buenos Aires metropolitan area. The case study is of interest because quantitative research on developing countries is scarce and their rapid urban growth and high rates of inequality may generate different results compared to the US or Europe. This relationship was assessed on locality level using regression methods. Spatial econometric techniques were applied to avoid unreliable inferences generated by spatial dependence and to detect the existence of externalities. Furthermore, we include in the model the socio-economic profile of each locality identified using cluster analysis. The findings reveal that population density affects motorised transport, that diversity is relevant for public transport and non-motorised trips, and urban design characteristics affect all modes of transport. Spatial dependence is detected for motorised transport, which may imply the existence of externalities, suggesting the need for coordinated decision-making processes on a metropolitan level. Finally, modal split depends on the socio-economic profile of a locality, which may influence the response to public transport policies. To sum up, these results may be useful when it comes to helping policymakers design integrated public policies on urban and transport planning.

Keywords: mobility; land use; urban transport; urban sustainability; spatial econometrics; cluster analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q15 Q2 Q24 Q28 Q5 R14 R52 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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