Urban mobility, social cohesion, equity and quality of life in Guayaquil

a systematic review

Abstract

Urban mobility has become a critical factor for the sustainable development of Latin American cities, directly influencing social cohesion, territorial equity, and the quality of life of their inhabitants. This article presents a systematic review of the relationship between urban transport and these social dimensions in the context of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Key concepts—urban mobility, social cohesion, transport equity, and quality of life—are clearly defined, and evidence is drawn from academic literature and institutional documents from both Latin America and comparable regions. The public transport system of Guayaquil (particularly the BRT Metrovía and conventional urban buses) is evaluated in terms of accessibility, efficiency, fares, user perception, and its impact on territorial equity. Additionally, successful experiences from Latin American cities such as Bogotá, Medellín, Curitiba, and Santiago de Chile are compared, identifying transferable lessons. The findings reveal that inclusive and efficient urban mobility can foster social cohesion and reduce inequalities by improving access to opportunities. However, Guayaquil still faces challenges in transport coverage, modal integration, and service quality, limiting its potential to enhance equity and quality of life. The discussion highlights gaps in local public policies—such as the lack of a truly integrated and equitable transport system—and proposes evidence-based strategies to address these shortcomings. These recommendations include improvements in participatory planning, expansion of the network to underserved peripheral areas, fare integration, targeted subsidies, and the promotion of sustainable modes of transport, all aimed at fostering a fairer and more cohesive urban transport system.