Using mobile phone data to capture residential segregation and its association with travel mobility

Abstract

This study measures residential segregation and investigates its association with travel mobility by using mobile phone data from Shenzhen, China. It considers residential segregation in terms of income level and migrant group; and travel mobility in terms of travel frequency, activity space, and travel distance. Unlike previous research on residential segregation and travel mobility, our research uses mobile phone data to produce empirical evidence. The extent of segregation between different migrant and income-level groups is measured using the location quotient and Getis-Ord index. This enables us to develop a linear regression model with which to investigate the associations of residential segregation with travel mobility. The study results show that the segregation of middle- and low-income groups and migrants from Southwestern China and Jiangxi is negatively associated with travel mobility among those in the suburbs; meanwhile, for groups segregated in the city center, there is a positive association with travel mobility. These findings suggest that residential segregation is especially adverse for the travel mobility of disadvantaged groups and those living in the suburbs. Accordingly, the paper presents policy recommendations that would enhance travel mobility by alleviating the problems associated with the residential segregation of socially disadvantaged groups living in the suburbs.