Social vulnerability and access to public transport in low-density areas. The case of the urbanizations of the province of Barcelona

Abstract

Urban regionalisation processes pose major challenges for mobility, driven by the expansion of daily commuting distances and emerging socio-economic and territorial vulnerabilities. This article analyses these issues through the lens of low-density urban developments with urban deficits in the Barcelona area. The study begins by tracing the historical stages of implementation and transformation of low-density residential areas in Catalonia. It then examines the public transport accessibility for residents in these areas, focusing on connections to their primary urban centre and the broader Catalan territory. Three key findings are highlighted: population density significantly influences access to public transport, public transport plays an essential role in enabling access to other services, and a direct link exists between public transport-related social exclusion and the precariousness of the urban situation.