Spatial accessibility to opportunities in the integrated mass transportation system of Santiago de Cali: equity analysis

Abstract

Urban planning should focus on providing inclusion and access to opportunities for marginalized groups. The literature shows the need for more case studies that help identify appropriate frameworks and methods to understand how transport management affects the socio-economic development of cities, especially in developing countries. In this article, using the SITM-MIO of Santiago de Cali (Colombia) as a case study, an index of spatial accessibility to opportunities at the neighborhood level is proposed. The horizontal equity in access to opportunities is evaluated using the Lorenz curve methods and the Gini, Atkinson, and Theil indices, and the vertical equity is evaluated through the methods of mismatch analysis using maps and the analysis of proportionality for which an index of accessibility to opportunities for the vulnerable population is proposed. The results show the limitations of horizontal equity analysis methods and the strength of the index of accessibility to opportunities for the vulnerable population to improve public policies that contribute to the sustainability of the city based on a more equitable and inclusive transport management.