Exploring transport inequalities in Palermo and Naples. The role of spatial accessibility to the rail system

Inequalities are widening across the world and recent studies indicate that there is a clear relationship between urban growth and spatial inequalities. The shape of urban inequalities is influenced by the interplay of factors that range from socio-economic, land-use, environment and housing to transport and mobility aspects. Notwithstanding the relevance of the challenges relating to the field of transport inequalities for both academics and (on a few occasions) political bodies, in many cities from Southern Europe, there are still pressing levels of deprivation and marginality that are aggravated by the lack of appropriate knowledge and instruments to identify and tackle such unbalances. Simultaneously, in the last three decades, different urban planning paradigms studies and approaches like the Transit Oriented Development or 15 Minute-city concepts, have emerged and stressed the role of spatial accessibility as a relevant condition for reducing urban inequalities. On such a basis, the convergence between city and transport appears as a significant strand of urban planning studies that can support policymakers in addressing the urban development of cities that witness unequal access to transit networks. Taking as case studies Palermo and Naples, two of the largest cities of Southern Italy, this paper aims to understand the spatial interplay between the rail system and the urban system. In particular, the study focuses on key socio-demographic aspects, land-use features and accessibility, and relies on different spatial analysis elements. As part of a wider research project that seeks to understand spatial inequalities, the preliminary outcomes of this paper unfolded interesting insights regarding transport inequalities which can be useful to develop a more sustainable, and inclusive transportation system.