Reducing transport inequality by improving accessibility in Palermo, Italy. An effort in vain ?

Abstract

In the face of the long-lasting challenges that our societies must deal with, is more urgent than ever to change our mobility practices. Many cities witness pressing levels of deprivation and marginality that are propelled by an interplay of factors that range from socio-economic, land-use, climate, housing, and mobility. Consequently, the convergence between city and transportation appears as a significant strand of urban planning studies that can support policymakers to address urban development and the creation of more healthy and sustainable cities. Urban planning paradigms such as Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and the emerging City of Proximity models (Bertolini, 2010; D’Onofrio & Trusiani, 2022) emphasize the importance of spatial accessibility in reducing urban inequalities (Fransen & Farber, 2019). Eventually, to f ully address these challenges, it is crucial to consider the role of mobility behavior change alongside spatial factors. At the same time, local authorities have been implementing innovative active and sustainable mobility policies to improve human well-being and environmental quality. In this regard, this study attempts to shed light on the factors at play to reduce transport inequalities and create more healthy cities, by integrating spatial and socio-cultural features. This is done by focusing on Palermo (Italy), one of Southern Europe’s most well-known cities for highly car-dependent mobility patterns. On the one side, the paper presents a general assessment of the city’s accessibility conditions and urban functions distribution, as well as a review of a series of local governance practices including (pedestrianization policies, infrastructural investments and other sustainable mobility initiatives). On the other side, it draws into people’s feedback on their mobility habits and views on the city’s urban mobility scenario. The overall outcome of the research resides on the insights that can help policymakers to develop accessibility-driven policy tools and consequently promote more sustainable mobility options and finally improve spatial equality.