Problem
Research questions and friction points this paper is trying to address.
car dependency
urban accessibility
sustainable mobility
transport equity
private vehicle reliance
Car Dependency in Urban Accessibility
🤖 AI Summary
This study addresses the dual challenges of rising transport-related carbon emissions and mobility inequity driven by excessive reliance on private vehicles in urban areas. It proposes the first quantifiable and scalable Car Dependency Index (CDI), integrating high-resolution geospatial data with accessibility modeling to analyze 18 cities across Europe and North America. Using counterfactual scenario simulations, the research evaluates the impact of public transit network expansions, revealing that car dependency remains a key determinant of vehicle ownership even after controlling for income. Systemic upgrades—such as Rome’s metro expansion—can substantially reduce commuting cars (by approximately 60,000), whereas isolated interventions yield limited benefits. The proposed framework enables precise identification of car-free zones and priority areas for transit investment, offering a robust foundation for equitable, low-carbon urban transport planning.
📝 Abstract
To achieve net-zero emissions, cities must transition away from reliance on private vehicles. However, car-centric urban growth has transformed the automobile from a convenience tool into a necessity for accessing essential services, creating significant "car dependency". This study introduces a novel Car Dependency Index (CDI) that quantifies the accessibility gap between private and public transport across 18 cities in Europe and North America. Utilising high-resolution geospatial data and numerical simulations, we reveal pronounced spatial inequalities, showing that car dependency remains a primary driver of car ownership even when accounting for income. A ``what-if" simulation of the planned metro expansion in Rome predicts a reduction of approximately 60,000 commuting vehicles, yet highlights that isolated interventions have localised impacts. We conclude that systemic, network-level transit expansions are essential to dismantle car-based systems and foster equitable, sustainable urban mobility. Our framework provides policymakers with an objective, scalable tool to identify viable areas for car-free zones and target infrastructure investments effectively.
Innovation
Methods, ideas, or system contributions that make the work stand out.
Car Dependency Index
urban accessibility
geospatial analysis
transport equity
transit-oriented development
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