# The uneven landscape of Swiss travel behavior: evidence of mobility inequality from the national microcensus

## TL;DR

This study shows that travel behavior in Switzerland is highly unequal, with a small group responsible for most travel.

## Contribution

The study reveals mobility inequality in Switzerland using microcensus data and machine learning.

## Key findings

- A small percentage of individuals account for a large share of total travel in Switzerland.
- Sociodemographic and spatial features have limited predictive power for daily travel distance.
- The findings emphasize the need for nuanced perspectives beyond population averages in mobility studies.

## Abstract

This study shows that mobility in Switzerland is highly unequal. Based on Swiss Mobility and Transport Microcensus data (years 2015 and 2021), we find that a small percentage of individuals accounts for a disproportionately large share of total travel. Machine learning reveals that sociodemographic and spatial features have limited predictive power for daily domestic travel distance. The findings highlight the need for more nuanced perspectives that go beyond population averages.