Assets and opportunities structures for mobility. An analytical approach to the study of accessibility by public transport, welfare and equity

Abstract

One of the major current challenges for mobility and transport studies in Latin America is the adoption of a multidimensional approach that goes beyond the narrower notion of trip and that does not neglect a broader discussion about mobilityÍ€™s effect on poverty and social exclusion. This article seeks to tackle this challenge and posits an analytical framework that takes into account the theoretical and empirical regional background on these phenomena. After reviewing existing literature and affiliating to some necessary assumptions, it proposes the assets and opportunities structures approach as a useful device to study accessibility. This concept is defined as the level of adjustment between the structures of opportunity for mobility and householdÍ€™s resource and assets to take advantage from them. I argue that this framework is adequate in order to maximize understanding of mobilityÍ€™s effect on welfare and the role of public transport.

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