A survey to investigate transport conditions in depopulating cities in Illinois

• Published in: Transportation research interdisciplinary perspectives 2023-09, Vol.21, p.100886, Article 100886
• Main Authors: Sutradhar, Uttara, Badhrudeen, Mohamed, Chauhan, Rishabh Singh, Derrible, Sybil
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aging; Depopulation; Disability; Survey; Transport
• ISSN: 2590-1982; 2590-1982
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2023.100886

•Transport challenges varies widely for users of public transport and transport network companies based on city size and location.•Services for specials needs population (people with physical disabilities, elderly) are necessary to ensure mobility in depopulating cities.•City officials highlighted the need for promoting local business and services.•Local community service providers can work together to provide low-cost transport services for residents.•Funding criteria should be rethought to facilitate cities with depopulation. Despite the global population increase, many cities in the world are depopulating. While the literature focuses heavily on the challenges brought by an increasing population, depopulating cities face many challenges as well. In particular, the management and maintenance of infrastructure often becomes challenging in depopulating areas. To identify the challenges related to transport, this study conducts a survey on depopulating cities in Illinois. Asking questions about the availability of travel modes, the challenges faced by users of each mode, commonly/possible implemented solutions to facilitate mobility, and investment and funding in transport, this study provides an analysis of transport conditions in depopulating cities from an administrative standpoint. A descriptive analysis of the survey responses is presented to provide aggregated results and to exhibit how responses vary with city size and location. This study also highlights the importance of evaluating existing conditions to implement tailored solutions to local contexts instead of applying blanket solutions that often fail to benefit the residents.