Socioeconomic dynamics of selective transport as an alternative for urban mobility in Bilwi

Abstract

Urban mobility is a key factor for the socioeconomic development of cities, particularly in territorial contexts with structural limitations in infrastructure and public transportation systems. In the city of Bilwi, the selective transport service (taxi) has assumed a relevant role as an alternative for urban mobility, especially to cover routes, schedules, and needs not fully addressed by collective transport. The objective of this study was to analyze the socioeconomic dynamics of the selective transport service as an alternative for urban mobility in Bilwi during 2023, considering usage patterns, willingness to pay, fare evolution, and users’ perceptions of service quality. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach with a quantitative predominance, based on structured surveys applied to a sample of 383 users, complemented by direct observation and documentary review. The results show that 61.2 % of respondents regularly use taxi services, with the majority of respondents willing to pay a fare of around C$30.00. Additionally, a sustained increase in fares between 2019 and 2023 was identified, along with a service quality assessment predominantly rated as “good” or “fair.” It is concluded that selective transport plays a strategic socioeconomic role in Bilwi’s urban mobility; however, its operation occurs within a context of informal fare adjustments and heterogeneous service quality, posing challenges for equity, accessibility, and the integrated planning of the urban transport system.