Advancing sustainable urban mobility: An empirical travel time analysis of the 15-minute city model in Porto

Abstract

The Fifteen-Minute City (FMC) concept presents a transformative approach to urban planning, prioritizing accessibility to essential services within a 15-minute walk or cycling distance. This study evaluates the feasibility and practical implications of implementing the FMC model in Porto, Portugal, bridging theoretical concepts with real-world applications. Employing a Weibull hazard-based survival model, the research draws on data from over 11,000 trips to explore the relationship between travel times and urban mobility patterns. Results show that approximately 70% of trips in Porto are completed within 15 min, indicating partial alignment with FMC principles. However, significant barriers persist, including low active mobility (AM) adoption (less than 40% of trips) due to cultural preferences for motorized transport, inadequate infrastructure, and limited public awareness of AM benefits. By identifying temporal thresholds and examining influential variables shaping modal choices, the study provides actionable insights into the challenges and opportunities of FMC implementation. The findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to shift societal attitudes and reduce reliance on private vehicles, proposing strategies such as enhancing pedestrian pathways, expanding cycling networks, and promoting mixed-use zoning. These efforts aim to foster sustainable, health-conscious urban settings, reduce traffic congestion, and improve residents’ quality of life. The study concludes by suggesting directions for future research to further explore the scalability and adaptability of the FMC model in diverse urban contexts, ultimately contributing to more accessible and sustainable urban environments.