explortary-metro

Metro Line comparison in Bogota

Software License

Author:Zhanchao Yang, Chuwen Zhong </br> Summer 2025

Introduction & Research Questions

Bogotá, long served by an extensive bus network yet plagued by chronic congestion and air pollution, is on the cusp of a major transit transformation. The city’s first metro lines—Line 1, which will link the northwest suburbs with the city center, and Line 2, running through the northern corridor—promise not only faster, more reliable journeys but also substantial environmental and socio-economic benefits. However, the success of this infrastructure depends as much on engineering and finance as on public buy-in, which encompasses how citizens perceive its effectiveness, its impact on air quality and noise, and its broader effects on livelihoods and equity.

This study examines how the near subway line household perception differs between Line 1 and Line 2, and how socio-economic factors influence their perception

By illuminating the perceptions held by various communities, we aim to inform both policy adjustments and communication strategies that will maximize public support and ensure that Bogotá’s metro delivers on its promise of cleaner, more equitable urban mobility.

Method

Sampling and Participants

This study employs a cross-sectional survey design to compare household perceptions and socio-economic profiles along Bogotá Metro Line 1 (elevated) and Line 2 (underground). A total of 537 households were collected, with 290 completed responses for Line 1 and 247 for Line 2 (response rates of 72.5% and 61.8%, respectively).

Data Processing and Analysis

All analyses were performed in R version 4.2.2, using packages ·dplyr·, ·ggplot2·.

Bivariate Analysis

We analyzed four specific targeted relationships for bivariate regression analysis.

Exploratory Results

The Results section presents a comparative overview of demographic profiles, travel behaviors, perception metrics, and implementation expectations among households adjacent to Metro Line 1 and Line 2. We begin by summarizing general socio‑demographic characteristics before exploring shifts in travel modes pre‑ and during the pandemic. Next, we examine attitudes toward the upcoming metro service—covering efficiency, safety, and environmental perceptions—followed by anticipated community impacts post‑implementation.

See the detailed results at results.md

Exploratory Results Key Takeaway

Pre- and During-Pandemic Travel Modes

Socio-economic profiles

Perceptions and Attitudes

Information and Awareness

In general, information availability is low for both Metro One and Metro Two households. People are not sure of the infrastructure type, metro route, station location, and estimated year of operations. People are more willing to pay a lower price to ride the system.

After implementing perception

There is no statistically significant difference in implementation perception between Metro 1 and Metro 2 households.

Summary

These patterns suggest that Metro 1 respondents tend to be more optimistic, better informed, and perceive greater benefits (efficiency, support) from the new line, while Metro 2 respondents—many of whom own their homes and live in larger households—exhibit higher cycling rates, greater concern for punctuality and security, and slightly less overall enthusiasm.

Bivariate Analysis Results