Spatial characteristics of the residents' commuting behavior in Beijing

Abstract

Based on the questionnaire survey data in 2005 and 2010 at Beijing, the residents' commuting behavior was analyzed by using of GIS and spatial data analysis tools. The average commuting time in Beijing increased from 38 minutes in 2005 to 45 minutes in 2010. The commute time increases from the inner city to the suburbs. More people use the rail traffic system with the development of the urban track traffic system, but less people choose the bicycle at the same time. In different areas, the choosing of the transport options also has some difference. The “To Center” commuting flows are the main flows now, although there are “Out of Center” flows at the same time. In some special regions, the commuting flow was different because of the zones controlled by different functional definitions under the urban planning of Beijing.