Identification of Mobility Patterns in Rural Areas of Low Demographic Density through Stated Preference Surveys

Abstract

Within the multiple urban–rural interactions that make up the territorial dynamics, this article addresses and identifies how mobility relations are produced between neighbouring municipalities that share services. The aim of this research is to carry out a diagnosis of the current mobility situation in an area of low population density in order to identify the needs and possible shortcomings in this area. The initial identification of weaknesses is essential in order to propose solutions for rural mobility. The methodology adopted is based on two distinct lines of work: (1) analysis of information in open data from public repositories using geographic information system tools (GIS), and (2) surveys of citizens living in the study area. The results allude to the fact that the most transcendental problem in the study area is the lack of a quality collective public transport service that meets minimum utility requirements for users, a fact that generates a transfer towards the use of private vehicles. No serious parking, noise, pollution or road safety problems are observed; however, similar dynamics to other rural areas with low demographic density are confirmed, such as the age of the mobile fleet and an aging population with accessibility problems. The presence of new modes of transport (electric bicycles, personal mobility vehicles, and even electric vehicles) is practically insignificant. Both teleworking and the new consumer habits associated with online shopping have not yet had a strong impact. Political decision making by public administrations is identified as a direct application of this research.

Introduction of emerging mobility services in rural areas through the use of mobile network data combined with activity‐based travel demand modelling

“…Similar results were reported for rural Spanish towns by Jménez‐Espada et al. [20], who found that the use of e‐bikes and personal mobility vehicles, such as e‐scooters, is not significant, probably also due to higher average age of the population, a characteristics in common to both UK and Spain. However, in the context of potential future for rural mobility, bicycles and scooters are favoured for short trips over cars in Belgium [17], when multigeneration approach is carried out.…”

“…In Canada, Millward and Spinney [19] combined spatial and temporal analyses from a survey of 1971 households collecting travel activities by matching GPS tracking to geo-reference respondent locations for a 48-h period to study the urban-rural continuum. Similarly, Jménez-Espada et al [20] studied the multiple urban-rural interactions by developing a survey of 296 residents for a small town in Spain and combining the results with open data from public repositories using geographic information system tools. The town is also characterized by the lack of good PT services which led to a modal shift towards private cars and low propensity towards new modes of transport.…”

“…Similarly, Jménez‐Espada et al. [20] studied the multiple urban–rural interactions by developing a survey of 296 residents for a small town in Spain and combining the results with open data from public repositories using geographic information system tools. The town is also characterized by the lack of good PT services which led to a modal shift towards private cars and low propensity towards new modes of transport.…”

Graying with dignity: Negotiating public service delivery amidst gaps in the welfare of rural Trenggalek’s aging population

“…Whether it is visiting health clinics or buying groceries, the shortage of transportation options accommodating reduced mobility and other age-related constraints restricts the independence and social integration of the elderly within the community. The lack of accessible public transport inevitably isolates seniors and disconnects them from vital resources, significantly exacerbating their existing vulnerabilities, One of the most pressing issues aggravating mobility challenges in rural Trenggalek is the scarcity of elderly-friendly public infrastructure, an issue documented in various regions (Bond et al 2017, Jiménez-Espada et al 2022. The absence of pedestrian-centric design features, including paved paths, wheelchair ramps, clearly designated crosswalks, and optimized public transit routes tailored to elderly needs, hampers their ability to maneuver and navigate independently, aligning with the global challenges faced by elderly individuals in terms of accessible infrastructure.…”

The Territory of Valle del Jerte-La Vera and Its Tourist Development (Extremadura, SW Spain)

“…), provincial roads and other types of regional roads. Tourism and means of transport, together with their infrastructures, are intrinsically linked, since, without travel, there is no journey [49]. In this way, the means of transport and their means of communication are some of the driving forces that allow tourism to function.…”