Related papers: Car Dependency in Urban Accessibility

Car Dependency in Urban Accessibility

URL: http://arxiv.org/abs/2604.01019v1
Date: Wed, 01 Apr 2026 15:19:44 GMT
Title: Car Dependency in Urban Accessibility
Abstract summary: Car-centric urban growth has transformed the automobile into a necessity for accessing essential services, creating significant "car dependency"<n>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.
Score: 0.0
License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
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.

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