The impact of polycentric urban development on commuting behaviour in urban China: Evidence from four sub-centres of Beijing

Abstract

Empirical studies regarding the nexus between urban spatial changes, individual socio-economic characteristics and commuting behaviour are largely conducted in the cities of North American and European developed countries. Studies conducted in fast-growing developing countries are very scarce, particularly in China, the world's second-largest economy. This research presents new evidence on how polycentric development impacts on workers' commuting behaviour in urban China, through a case study of commuting behaviour in four sub-centres in Beijing. The results of this study suggest that polycentric urban development has a significant influence on employees' commuting times, considering the workers' socio-economic characteristics and transport modes. The results of the regression analysis show that local jobs-housing balance at the workplace has a significant impact on individual worker's commuting times. The findings suggest that the location and type of sub-centres are significantly associated with individuals' choice of housing and workplace locations, and accordingly their commuting behaviour.