Commuting Burden Distribution: The Equity Effects of the New Work Dynamics on the Lisbon Metropolitan Area

Julianno de Menezes Amorim, João de Abreu e Silva and Jorge Gonçalves
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Julianno de Menezes Amorim: Center for Innovation in Territory, Urbanism, and Architecture (CiTUA), Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
João de Abreu e Silva: Civil Engineering Research and Innovation for Sustainability (CERIS), Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal
Jorge Gonçalves: Center for Innovation in Territory, Urbanism, and Architecture (CiTUA), Universidade de Lisboa, Portugal

Social Inclusion, 2026, vol. 14

Abstract: Transport‐related equity is gaining increasing attention, highlighting the need for a system that is equitable, accessible, and affordable for all. From a spatial perspective, the spatial distribution of transport infrastructure plays a key role in mitigating socio‐spatial inequalities. Since Covid‐19, teleworking has become more prominent across sectors, raising questions about the equity implications of remote work. This study examines the spatial distribution of commuting burden (CB), as the ratio of travel costs to wages, across the Lisbon Metropolitan Area and tests the hypothesis that telework increases inequality in CB distribution rather than alleviating it. We analyse CB before and after increased telework adoption, integrating occupational typologies, wage levels, and telework potential at the civil parish level. Generalised commuting costs are estimated using travel time and distance by mode, fare structure, and value of time. An adapted Palma index assesses the equity impact of telework on CB distribution, identifying areas of compound burden or benefit. The findings confirm that despite a general decline in average CB under the telework scenario, inequality increases, as measured by the Palma index. High‐wage workers in skilled occupations, predominantly located in more central or well‐connected areas which already have a lower CB, gain disproportionate advantages from telework. Conversely, low‐wage workers in peripheral areas face both higher CB and limited telework capacity. This suggests telework, in its current distribution logic, exacerbates rather than mitigates socio‐spatial disparities. The study underscores the need to embed telework within equitable urban planning frameworks that address the structural causes of socio‐territorial fragmentation.

Keywords: commuting burden; equity; telework; transport justice (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:cog:socinc:v14:y:2026:a:11629

DOI: 10.17645/si.11629

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