Sequence analysis in spatially defined clusters based on 2018 to 2022 travel surveys in the Metropolitan Area of Barcelona

Transport systems are an essential component in the path towards sustainable urbanisation and the transition to more sustainable living. In recent decades, European cities have undergone significant changes, and suburbanisation poses new challenges. Suburban areas are often more affordable in terms of housing, but they tend to be car-oriented neighbourhoods. This leads to higher commuter costs, immobility, transport and time poverty, pollution, accident rates, and a lack of social interaction. To offer sustainable mobility options to citizens, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of their specific mobility practices, together with their personal characteristics, and the built environment information. This study is centred on the Barcelona Metropolitan Region, which has a public transport network that covers the entire area. The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between travel behaviour, modal use, individual characteristics, and place of residence, by making use of detailed information sources. Herein, we make use of the annual travel survey conducted in the Barcelona region from 2018 to 2022 together with land-use and other socio-economic information. Our research suggests that transport policies have encouraged sustainable mobility practices, particularly in the centre of Barcelona. Despite the positive results, there are significant disparities between the inner city and outer city, where sustainable mobility practices notably decrease. Our findings indicate that promoting sustainable mobility policies requires further changes in transport, city, land-use and city planning that consider equity, the socioeconomic profile of citizens, and a mixed urban planning that considers the needs of residents and promotes essential services in the proximity.