Measuring transport poverty with a mixed-methods approach. A comparative case study of the German cities Berlin and Hamburg

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examines transport poverty in Berlin and Hamburg, combining GIS-based spatial analysis of public transport (PT) service levels with qualitative interviews of 40 welfare recipients about their transport experiences. The research reveals that low-income residents do not have worse absolute access to PT, but per-capita service is poorer due to high population density. This highlights inequities where crowded transport systems diminish service quality. The interviews also show that high PT fares, before the introduction of the €58 “Deutschlandticket,” had been a major barrier, forcing individuals to choose between transport and other essential needs like food and housing. This financial constraint limits mobility, employment, and social interaction. The study’s integration of GIS analysis and personal interviews provides a comprehensive view of transport poverty, capturing both systemic issues and individual coping strategies. The findings suggest a typology of seven mobility types among low-income residents, offering policymakers a framework for targeted interventions. Recommendations include fare reductions, improved per-capita services in dense areas, and enhanced support for vulnerable groups to address both systemic inequalities and financial barriers, advancing a transport equity agenda that promotes social inclusion.