Interrelations between Urban Spatial Patterns and Commuting Behavior

What Are the Interrelations Between Urban Spatial Patterns and Commuting Behavior?

Mamon and Marshall (1977) take another approach that focuses on the interrelations between urban spatial patterns and commuting behavior. They mention a major study conducted by Schnore (1962) that analyzes the impact of size, density, and age of a sample of cities upon the use of public transportation. Schnore (1962) argued that size determines the limits of the market for public transportation; density, the availability of public transportation; and age, the transportation technology which prevailed when decisions about the nature and extent of public transportation were made. All three variables had a significant independent impact upon use of public transportation, and Schnore (1962) concluded that structural characteristics of cities are important determinants of commuting behavior.

Dr. Ortner explains how the structure of Los Angeles affects access to public transit. "Public transportation in the early part of the 20th century had a major impact on spatial structure when real estate developers used the interurban rail system to sell real estate. This region, unlike the East Coast urban areas, was always dispersed. Because the urban region is dispersed, trip times via local transit (express bus and commuter rail excluded) no longer affect the urban structure. In many wealthy areas, there is little public transportation. While in lower income areas, public transportation is generally available."