Doctoral Degrees (Logistics)

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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Logistics) by browse.metadata.advisor "Papps, Kerry"

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    The impact of transport accessibility and spatial equity on employment outcomes
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Van der Merwe, Jacomina Magdalena; Krygsman, Stephan; Woolard, Ingrid, 1970-; Papps, Kerry; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Dept. of Logistics.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY: Addressing unemployment and income inequalities in transport and land-use policies is important, particularly in South Africa, which is currently experiencing one of the highest unemployment rates and income inequality in the world. South Africa has also seen a rise in the number of discouraged job seekers, which accounted for 14% of the labour force in 2021. These are individuals who want to work but have become too discouraged to actively search for employment. The primary aim of this research is to understand how transport, measured by accessibility and general transport cost components, such as commuting cost and travel time, affects the labour market in South Africa. It highlights the horizontal and vertical spatial equity impacts and the differentiated impact on different income groups. Previous research has proven the impact of a spatial mismatch on the probability of an individual becoming employed and the link between transport accessibility and employment status, but it ignores its impact on an employee’s decision to remain in employment, as well as the decision to stop searching for a job. This research first highlights the unequal distribution of accessibility across space and different income groups in the City of Cape Town. Using unique tax administrative data together with TomTom road network and speeds data, the research shows that the impact of congestion has a greater effect on access to job opportunities for residents of low-income locations compared to those from high-income locations. This reinforces spatial inequality. The research further focuses on the notion of job seekers becoming discourage and the impact of transport cost on their decision not to search for employment. Third, the research provides evidence that longer commuting distances between an employee’s residence and work location reduce employment duration for lower-income employees. The converse it true for higher income individuals. This shows a positive relationship between commuting distance and employment duration. The differentiated impact that transport has on the labour market for different income groups can be incorporated in transport and land-use policy and planning that aim to improve employment and equity outcomes. Last, the impact of land-use policy on accessibility is investigated in a case study, should affordable housing be provided closer to the two main employment hubs in the City of Cape Town. This could address vertical spatial equity, as measured by accessibility to employment in the city.