The Interplay Between Informal Taxi Routes and Land Use Planning in Ecuador

Informal Transit Lines and Areas That Experienced Rapid Growth

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When examining the complex relationships between informal taxi routes and land use planning in Ecuador, it is essential to understand the dynamics that shape urban mobility, land development, and housing in the country (Rivera et al, 2020).

Informal taxi routes are an important component of the urban transport landscape, characterized by a lack of formal regulation and structure but they still flourish autonomously and function systematically. Formal transportation modes, such as buses and metro systems, are subject to regulations and rules that they function under, while taxis operate in a relatively unregulated environment. This absence of formal regulation allows for flexibility in route planning and adaptation to the ever-changing urban space (Gamble and Puga,2017). In contrast, the formal public transportation system, although regulated, may struggle to adapt quickly to changing urban dynamics. Informal taxi routes, therefore, fill a critical gap in the transportation network, especially in areas where formal public transportation does not adequately cover.

Informal taxi routes function as an essential component of urban mobility, particularly in cities like Quito. Informal taxi routes are typically small-scale, operated by individuals or small collectives, and are deeply intertwined with the socio-economic fabric of the city (Gamble and Dávalos, 2019). However, the functioning of informal taxi routes is not seamless. Inconsistent service quality, safety concerns, and competition among operators can create a complex landscape. Vecchio, Porreca, and Jacome Rivera (2020) highlight the competing policies in Quito, which often clash with the existence of informal taxi routes.

These conflicts stem from the need by political spheres and the government to regulate informal routes for safety and quality. One notable policy that conflicts with informal taxi routes is the city's land-use planning initiatives. Gamble and Puga (2017) emphasize the significance of land-use planning in Quito and how it often runs counter to the informal transit system. Formal land-use planning may designate specific areas for transport infrastructure, but these plans rarely account for the organic, adaptive nature of informal taxi routes, leading to a misalignment of transport services with land-use zones (Guerra, 2017).

Informal taxi routes can significantly affect housing patterns and property values. As these routes become established, properties along their paths may experience increased demand, leading to higher property values. However, this can also result in the displacement of vulnerable communities due to gentrification, a trend often associated with the improvement of transport infrastructure (Cordero, 2022).

Understanding the relationship between informal taxi routes and land use planning is crucial for shaping sustainable and inclusive urban development. Balancing regulation with adaptability and addressing conflicts surrounding these routes is essential for creating a transportation system that meets the diverse needs of urban residents while preserving the social fabric of communities.

References

Burch, W.R. and Curran, L.M., Subjectivity of Land Cover Change Trajectories in Peri-urban Quito, Ecuador: Community characteristics, migration and participation in land use planning.

Cordero Ortiz, A.P., 2022. Informal settlements in Quito-Ecuador. The context, rationales and shortcomings of formalization policies.

Gamble, J. and Puga, E., 2017. Is Informal Transit Land-Oriented?: Investigating the Links Between Informal Transit and Land-Use Planning in Quito, Ecuador. Lincoln Institute of Land Policy.

Gamble, J. and Dávalos, C., 2019. Moving with masculine care in the city: Informal transit in Quito, Ecuador. City, 23(2), pp.189-204.

Guerra, V., Skuzinski, T.S. and Shealy, T., 2017. The extent of informal car share (ICS) in Quito, Ecuador. In International Conference on Sustainable Infrastructure 2017 (pp. 432-441).

Vecchio, G., Porreca, R. and Jacome Rivera, D., 2020. Socio-spatial concerns in urban mobility planning: Insights from competing policies in Quito. Sustainability, 12(7), p.2923.