Impacts of metropolization on mass transit: a case study in the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia

Abstract

The urbanization process of the Brazilian metropolitan regions has not been sustainable. Intense conurbation and dependence among its municipalities foster intermunicipal commuting, usually through mass transit buses, which circulate with low passenger turnover, regularly traversing urban voids. This research presents the impacts that metropolization causes on mass transit, through a case study conducted at selected municipalities in the Metropolitan Region of Goiânia (MRG). Quality and efficiency indicators are used to evaluate the mass transit system. The results demonstrate economic impacts on mass transit and social impacts for passengers. The conclusion of this work shows that it is necessary to decentralize the socio-economic activities in the MRG and to make policies to promote mass transit.

metropolitan relations; commuting; urban sprawl; mass transit; Metropolitan Region of Goiânia