MODEL TO EVALUATE THE TRANSPORTATION AND MOBILITY SYSTEM IN PERIPHERIES: Case Study in the Cidade de Deus Neighborhood

Background: The proposal to evaluate the transport and mobility system in a peripheral area holds significant social relevance; beyond capturing the perspectives of local system users, it can assist public officials in implementing policies for peripheral regions across the country. A key contribution of this research lies in the sensitivity shown in designing and administering a simplified questionnaire that acknowledges the realities of regions suffering from low infrastructure investment—areas where daily life is often overshadowed by urban violence. The research employs a specific sample size methodology and compares findings with available official data. Aim: Formulate a research model capable of diagnosing the characteristics of transport systems and urban mobility in peripheral areas across the country. This model draws on official public data and the perceptions of residents and other citizens in the study areas, aiming to develop proposals for solutions and improvements with an emphasis on sustainable territorial development. Methods: The concurrent method will be employed, with both data collection processes occurring simultaneously, followed by a cross-analysis of the data for discussion. Regarding sampling, a random probability approach will be used, involving individuals who live or work in the neighborhood and conducting in-person surveys with any resident willing to participate. The data collection instrument will be a simplified, structured questionnaire featuring closed-ended questions and rating scales. The data analysis plan entails content analysis, categorizing evaluations and cross-referencing the data with pre-existing characteristics. Ethical and social considerations dictate the use of recognized, aggregated public data that excludes individual identifiers; furthermore, participant details will not be recorded, given the sensitivity surrounding public safety in the area. Results: Bus travel is the primary mode of transport for 60% of respondents. Among bus users, 82% travel by bus 2 to 7 times a week. Regarding the reason for travel, 62% are commuting to work. As for frequency, 34% describe it as "regular." Waiting times average between 10 and 40 minutes for 74% of users. Regarding occupancy levels, 54% find them "comfortable" or "acceptable." Regarding infrastructure, 55% rate it as "poor" or "terrible." Regarding cost, 87% consider it "expensive" or "exorbitant." Regarding bike lanes and paths, 80% find them incomplete, poorly maintained, or obstructed. Regarding traffic flow, 86% consider movement slow during peak traffic hours. Regarding road maintenance, 67% consider the roads well-maintained. Regarding user safety, 84% report a sense of safety during the day. Regarding accessibility, 74% find the system "inaccessible." Regarding the quality of the transport system, the combined total of "excellent" and "very good" ratings is 35%, surpassing the combined total of "poor" and "terrible" ratings. Conclusion: The work was carried out with great social sensitivity and continuous methodological refinements, aiming to align the proposed solutions with the complex realities of the areas where the research was applied. Many of these regions consist of peripheral neighborhoods and marginalized communities—territories that have historically faced a lack of state presence and suffer the impacts of urban violence more severely and on a daily basis. Consequently, the proposal was designed not only to map local vulnerabilities but also to respect the specific circumstances and security challenges experienced by these populations. The project’s objective was achieved, as it enabled the development of a research model applicable to a wide range of regions with vulnerable populations. The questionnaire model ensures clarity and can be easily administered by undergraduate students; ultimately, it allows for an assessment of the transport and mobility system based on both official public data and the perceptions of residents and other citizens.