Abstract
Jobs–housing imbalance is a hot topic in urban study and has obtained many results. However, little research has overcome the limits of administrative boundaries in job accessibility measurement and considered differences in job accessibility within multiple commuting circles. Using Baidu location data, this research proposes a new method to measure job accessibility within multiple commuting circles at the grids’ level. Taking the Wuhan metropolitan area as a case study, the results are as follows: (1) Housing and service jobs are concentrated in the central urban areas along the Yangtze River, whereas industrial jobs are scattered throughout suburbs with double centers. The potential competition for job opportunities is fiercer in the city center than in the suburbs. (2) Job accessibility with different levels shows significant circle-like distribution. People with long- or short-distance potential commutes demand to live close to the groups with the same demand. Residents with long-distance commutes demand to live outside of where those with short-distance commutes demand to reside, regardless of whether their commuting demand is for service or industrial jobs. (3) There are three optimization patterns for transit services to increase job accessibility in various areas. These patterns involve areas with inadequate job opportunities, poor transit services to service jobs, and poor transit services to industrial jobs. Developing current transit facilities or new transit alternatives as well as adding extra jobs near housing could improve jobs–housing imbalance in these areas. Findings from this study could guide the allocation of jobs and housing as well as the development of transport to reduce residents’ commuting burdens and promote transportation equity. The method used in this study can be applied to evaluate jobs–housing imbalance from the perspective of the supply in other metropolises.
Highlights
Residential and employment spaces are two basic factors that constitute urban development
The results show that housing and service jobs are aggregated in the city center along the Yangtze River, whereas industrial jobs are dispersed throughout suburbs with double centers on both sides of the Yangtze River
The findings show whether the transport service meets the potential commuting demand of residents
Summary
Residential and employment spaces are two basic factors that constitute urban development. The imbalance between these two elements has become increasingly serious in both developed and developing countries. Since the 1980s, rapid urbanization has taken a toll on cities in developed countries. Jobs–housing imbalance and insufficient supporting facilities increased car use in the U.S, contributing to traffic congestion and air pollution [1,2]. Jobs–housing imbalance emerged in Europe because newly constructed towns failed to become self-sufficient and turned into commuter towns instead [3,4]. The same problem exists in developing countries such as China
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