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Job Accessibility as an Indicator of Auto-Oriented Urban Structure: A Comparison of Boston and Los Angeles with Tokyo

Author

Listed:
  • Mizuki Kawabata

    (Graduate School of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennoudai, Ibaraki, 305-8573, Japan)

  • Qing Shen

    (Urban Studies and Planning Program, School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA)

Abstract

Studies suggest that sprawling and auto-oriented development patterns present more difficulties for people without cars to access economic opportunities. We examine intrametropolitan and intermetropolitan variations in job accessibility by commuting mode as an indicator of auto-oriented urban structure, selecting Boston, Los Angeles, and Tokyo as study areas. Although in both US and Japanese metropolitan areas, job accessibility is significantly lower for public transit users than for auto users, job accessibility for public transit users in the US cases is strikingly lower than in Tokyo. The international comparison provides a clear picture of the significant disadvantage in accessing job opportunities encountered by US workers who are unable to use private vehicles. The empirical results uncover an important dimension of urban structure that deserves much attention from planners and policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Mizuki Kawabata & Qing Shen, 2006. "Job Accessibility as an Indicator of Auto-Oriented Urban Structure: A Comparison of Boston and Los Angeles with Tokyo," Environment and Planning B, , vol. 33(1), pages 115-130, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirb:v:33:y:2006:i:1:p:115-130
    DOI: 10.1068/b31144
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    References listed on IDEAS

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