The commuting experience of the University of Azuay female students based on their socioeconomic level in Cuenca, Ecuador

Abstract

Daily commuting to a university campus does not imply the same conditions and experiences for everyone. Personal factors such as gender and socioeconomic status may influence accessibility. To address this issue, this study analyses how socioeconomic inequality shapes the distribution of commuting time among female students at the University of Azuay in Cuenca, Ecuador, with particular attention to temporal vulnerabilities. Data from a mobility survey applied to 1978 students were used, and these results were complemented with 19 semi-structured interviews. Findings indicate that temporal inequalities in commuting conditions among female university students are strongly associated with socioeconomic status, particularly in the upper-tail behavior (p75 and p90). This vulnerability persists even after accounting for residential distance and mode of transport, indicating that commuting disadvantage is not explained solely by spatial factors. Exposure to long and extreme commuting times generates stressful situations and reduces the time available for other academic and personal activities. These results suggest that public and university policies should prioritize strategies aimed at promoting mobility justice.