Digital access to mobility: socio-spatial inequalities in public transport app use

Public transport apps have become one of the most popular digital interfaces for accessing travel information and managing personal mobility. Decision-makers in the transport sector rely heavily on them when introducing new digital services, which range from seat reservations to subsidised digital tickets. At the same time, not all passengers are ready to adopt these apps. The risk of certain social groups being overlooked determines the importance of public transport app use being critically analysed. This dissertation examines the factors that influence user adoption and engagement with public transport apps, paying particular attention to their socio-spatial aspects. The study draws on regression modelling and machine-learning methods to analyse online and offline survey data collected in the Hanover Region in Germany. The results show that socio-demographic factors such as older age, disability, and limited language proficiency are related to a lower probability of using public transport apps. Older age, lower income, disability, and a migration background are also related to lower user engagement with app features. These findings highlight digital inequality among passengers, including for those who have the apps installed. Furthermore, app adoption varies spatially: residents in less accessible areas are more likely to use public transport apps, possibly due to a higher demand for travel information. Simultaneously experiencing app-related digital inequality and mobility inequality, for example due to residing in an area with a poorer public transport supply, may exacerbate both issues and lead to digital mobility inequality. Beyond that, app engagement is determined by the perceived usefulness of travel information, ticketing and advanced app features, adopted in relation to the frequency with which users take public transport, use their smartphones and engage in online activities. Thus, public transport app use reflects complex digital and mobility behaviour patterns. Understanding them informs inclusive app development and digitalisation policies in public transport sector.