University of Ciego de Ávila Máximo Gómez Báez
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ISSN: 2309-8333
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RNPS: 2411
|13(1) |2025|
This is an Open Access article under the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)
Estrategia y Gestión Universitaria EGU
Scientific and technological
research article
How to cite:
López-Chila, R., Caiza
Medina, K., & Zurita Peñaloza, R. (2025).
Methodology to manage mobility factors
and optimize university transportation in
the Ecuadorian context.
Estrategia y
Gestión Universitaria
, 13(1), e8734.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15213400
Received: 31/12/2024
Accepted: 03/04/2025
Published: 21/04/2025
Corresponding author:
kcaizam1@est.ups.edu.ec
Conflict of interest:
the authors declare
that they have no conflict of interest,
which may have influenced the results
obtained or the proposed interpretations
.
Methodology to manage mobility
factors and optimize university
transportation in the Ecuadorian
context
Metodología para gestionar factores de
movilidad y optimizar el transporte
universitario en el contexto ecuatoriano
Metodologia para gerenciar fatores de
mobilidade e otimizar o transporte
universitário no contexto equatoriano
Abstract
Introduction: the study analyzes the transportation needs of
the university community at the Centenario campus of the
Salesian Polytechnic University in Guayaquil, which houses
5,011 people, considering mobility factors that affect their
safety and well-being. Objective: to determine mobility
factors and propose solutions to optimize the university
transportation system. Method: the research employed a
mixed approach with surveys, interviews, and statistical
analysis applied to a sample of 357 people, evaluating
accessibility, costs, schedules, safety, and comfort. Results:
a high dependence on public transport, high costs, perceived
insecurity, and lack of comfort were identified, along with
peak demand hours and areas with a high concentration of
users. interviews with authorities revealed infrastructure
problems and insufficient security measures. Conclusion: the
implementation of a sustainable and efficient transportation
system is proposed to address the identified needs, promote
shared transportation, and reduce costs, improving the
mobility experience of the university community.
Keywords: university-transportation, mobility, methodology,
insecurity, sustainability
Resumen
Introducción: el estudio analiza las necesidades de transporte
en la comunidad universitaria del campus Centenario de la
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana en Guayaquil, que alberga a
5,011 personas, considerando factores de movilidad que
afectan su seguridad y bienestar. Objetivo: determinar los
factores de movilidad y proponer soluciones para optimizar el
sistema de transporte universitario.
Roberto López-Chila
1
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9354-5883
rlopezch@ups.edu.ec
Ecuador
Kevin Caiza Medina
2
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
https://orcid.org/0009-0002-6792-2547
kcaizam1@est.ups.edu.ec
Ecuador
Ronald Zurita Peñaloza
3
Universidad Politécnica Salesiana
https://orcid.org/0009-0008-6470-9373
rzuritap@est.ups.edu.ec
Ecuador
Estrategia y Gestión Universitaria
|
ISSN
: 2309-8333
|
RNPS:
2411
13(1) | January-June |2025|
| Roberto López-Chila | Kevin Caiza Medina | Ronald Zurita Peñaloza |
Método:
la investigación empleó un enfoque mixto con encuestas, entrevistas y
análisis estadísticos aplicados a una muestra de 357 personas, evaluando
accesibilidad, costos, horarios, seguridad y comodidad.
Resultados:
se identificó
una alta dependencia del transporte público, costos elevados, percepción de
inseguridad y falta de comodidad, así como horarios de mayor demanda y sectores
con alta concentración de usuarios. las entrevistas con autoridades revelaron
problemas de infraestructura y medidas de seguridad insuficientes.
Conclusión:
se propone la implementación de un sistema de transporte sostenible y eficiente
que responda a las necesidades detectadas, fomente el uso compartido de
vehículos y reduzca costos, mejorando la movilidad de la comunidad
universitaria.
Palabras clave:
universidad-transporte, movilidad, metodología, inseguridad,
sostenible
Resumo
Introdução: o estudo analisa as necessidades de transporte da comunidade
universitária do campus Centenario da Universidade Politécnica Salesiana de
Guayaquil, que abriga 5.011 pessoas, considerando os fatores de mobilidade que
afetam sua segurança e bem-estar. Objetivo: determinar os fatores de mobilidade
e propor soluções para otimizar o sistema de transporte universitário. Método: a
pesquisa empregou uma abordagem mista com pesquisas, entrevistas e análise
estatística aplicada a uma amostra de 357 pessoas, avaliando a acessibilidade, os
custos, os horários, a segurança e o conforto. Resultados: foi identificada uma
alta dependência do transporte público, altos custos, percepção de insegurança e
falta de conforto, bem como horários de alta demanda e setores com alta
concentração de usuários. entrevistas com autoridades revelaram problemas de
infraestrutura e medidas de segurança insuficientes. Conclusão: propõe-se a
implementação de um sistema de transporte sustentável e eficiente que atenda
às necessidades detectadas, promova a carona solidária e reduza os custos,
melhorando a mobilidade da comunidade universitária.
Palavras-chave:
universidade-transporte, mobilidade, metodologia, insegurança,
sustentável
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Introduction
Mobility in Guayaquil has been compromised due to the significant increase
in the number of vehicles. According to the Association of Automotive Companies of
Ecuador (AEADE, 2023), vehicle sales have increased by 50% in the last three years.
This increase has contributed to environmental deterioration (Colvile et al., 2001).
The lack of an adequate transportation system directly affects university
management processes, such as the efficient allocation of resources, the scheduling
of academic and administrative activities, and the quality of the educational
environment.
On an annual basis, private vehicles emit 136 tons of CO, 1662 tons of CO2,
and 12 tons of NOx; cabs emit 82 tons of CO, 451 tons of CO2, and 0.019 tons of NOx,
while buses emit 5 tons of CO, 1870 tons of CO2, and 22 tons of NOx (Gulia et al.,
2015; Patiño-Aroca et al., 2022). The situation is aggravated by the high rates of
violence and robbery in the country, which generates psychosocial discomfort
(Andrade, 2023; Vemi, 2023). these factors condition management within the
university context.
The perception of insecurity is not only present during the various processes
of mobility but fear also thrives when there are other factors that exacerbate it,
regardless of whether or not the country is underdeveloped, affecting the
availability, rates, and other factors related to travel. In this context, the Salesian
Polytechnic University Centenario Campus has 410 parking lots, which are collapsed
due to the high influx of vehicles, motivating the search for methods that allow
mobilization in a safe and efficient manner (González Quiñones et al., 2018; Huertas
et al., 2021). Obtaining relevant results and with significant impact on improvement
using the e-learning methodology, it is evident that online surveys have supported
effective results (López Chila et al., 2023).
Given this scenario, the need arises to conduct a study to determine the
transportation needs in the Centenario Campus. This study aims to obtain
information using data collection methods such as surveys and interviews, with the
use of digital resources and improved performance integration, with the purpose of
developing a guide to propose possible solutions through the optimization of a
transportation system that benefits the members of the University community
(López-Chila et al., 2023). This as part of the social responsibility pursued by every
organization (Cueva et al.,2021).
The different alternatives to address this problem include carpooling
strategies, route optimization, schedule optimization, and cost optimization
strategies. Although all these proposals address different contexts, they are complex
for individuals who cannot adapt them to their specific requirements. However, the
intention is to identify the requirements of the personnel that make up the
Centennial Campus through different criteria.
Needs can be described as the deficiencies or requirements that arise from
the intrinsic nature of human beings and can be satisfied to maintain a state of
optimal physical, social, and emotional well-being (Fong-Amarís et al., 2022).
According to Flores et al. (2022), this need is met through the use of different modes
of transportation. Displacement can be exercised through means of transportation
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such as buses, private vehicles, walking, or bicycles to satisfy the need to move from
one point to another. Urban mobility is not possible without a need to be satisfied.
This underscores the need to integrate mobility strategies into institutional
management, addressing aspects such as route optimization, sustainability and
safety, in order to strengthen the quality of educational and administrative
processes.
Sustainable mobility refers to an approach to transportation planning and
management that seeks to minimize environmental impacts and promote efficiency,
safety, and equity in the movement of people and goods. This approach is based on
the integration of various modes of transport, such as public transport, active
mobility (walking and cycling), and the incorporation of environmental limits, aiming
to reduce dependence on fossil fuel vehicles and encourage the adoption of cleaner
and more efficient technologies (Guillamón & Hoyos, 2023). Mobility at the Salesian
Polytechnic University, Centenario campus, represents a challenge that impacts
university management in terms of accessibility, equity and sustainability. The high
number of vehicles, combined with problems of insecurity and transportation costs,
affects the fulfillment of schedules, academic planning and the well-being of the
university community.
According to Zambrano et al. (2020), the implementation of intelligent
transportation systems in cities such as Quito has demonstrated improvements in
traffic management and mobility decision making. Transportation is a key sector that
contributes significantly to environmental problems, especially in terms of
emissions. As developing countries move towards a more sustainable future, hybrid
vehicles, especially hybrid electric vehicles with CNG (PH-CNG-EVs), are playing a
crucial role, although their optimization and modeling have not been sufficiently
studied (Lin, Qi, & Ma, 2025).
Sustainable transportation planning in university communities is a key
challenge to mitigate traffic externalities. According to Alogdianakis et al. (2024),
the implementation of credit schemes can encourage the use of sustainable mobility
options, such as public transport and carpooling, while discouraging single-occupant
car trips. Their study highlights that parking pricing schemes are most effective when
introduced gradually and when combined with incentives for sustainable transport
use.
Methods and materials
The present study is carried out in a polytechnic university in the city of
Guayaquil, Ecuador. According to the research of Paredes et al. (2019) and
Hernández Sampieri et al. (2014), it focuses on the application of quantitative and
qualitative methods, which implies the systematization of processes, as detailed in
Figure 1. This representation encompasses the entire process, from the initial
conception of the ideas to be studied to their full implementation. The area
designated for conducting surveys, interviews, and polls has been specifically
established at the Salesian Polytechnic University, Centenario Campus. Within these
delimitations, the alphabetically named blocks A, B, C, D, and E, as well as the
| Roberto López-Chila | Kevin Caiza Medina | Ronald Zurita Peñaloza |
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parking lots, student entrances and exits, and the Salesian School Domingo Comín
and its surroundings, are included. This area is highly frequented by students and
personnel from the University, facilitating the collection of information for the
development of statistical study.
Figure 1
Process systematization
Source: Own elaboration
To determine the need for transportation at the Salesian Polytechnic
University Centenario Campus, the population under study consists of 5,011
individuals, including students, faculty, and administrative personnel. The sample
size is crucial to the study, as it ensures equal probability for all elements of the
population. The formula used to calculate the sample size is detailed in the book
Statistics for Management and Economics (Levin & Rubin, 2004). By applying the
equation for determining sample size in a finite population, the number of people
to be surveyed is 357.
According to Porras (2017), the population is selected from a sample of a
group or area strata, chosen through a simple random procedure. These groups or
subsets, defined as strata, are evaluated homogeneously. The variables were
identified through an inquest. An open-ended question was posed: "What factors do
you consider important in the context of the Centenario Campus and vice versa?"
This question allowed for the establishment of variables corresponding to each of
the objectives, as detailed in Table 1. The survey was designed to generate a
database to determine the transportation needs of the Guayaquil Centenario
Campus. To evaluate the reliability of the survey, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was
applied, resulting in a value of 0.7625. This value is considered unfavorable, as a
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coefficient greater than 0.8 is expected to ensure greater reliability (Salamanca &
Guerrero, 2022).
Table 1
Operationalization of variables
Specific objectives Dimension Variables Indicator
Variable
type
Level
Measuring
instrument
Study the current
demand for
transportation
modality on the
Centenario Campus
of the Salesian
Polytechnic
University.
Transportati
on demand
Working
day
Day attended
Qualitati
ve
Nominal
Survey
Schedules
Check-in and
check-out times
Quantita
tive
Reason
Sector
Passenger pickup
and destination
location
Qualitati
ve
Nominal
Availability
Ease of access to
the
transportation
system
Qualitati
ve
Ordinal
inquest
Cost
Mobilization
expenses
Quantita
tive
Reason
Survey
Comfort
Satisfaction when
using a
transportation
system
Qualitati
ve
Ordinal
Security
How safe is the
transportation
system used?
Qualitati
ve
Ordinal
Evaluate a quality
transportation
service for
members of the
academic and
administrative
community of the
Centenario
Campus.
Quality
transportati
on service
Puntuality
Compliance with
times between
routes
Qualitati
ve
Nominal
inquest
Availability
Ease of access to
the
transportation
system
Qualitati
ve
Ordinal
Security
How safe is the
transportation
system used?
Qualitati
ve
Ordinal
Cost
Mobilization
expenses
Quantita
tive
Interval
Schedules
Check-in and
check-out times
Quantita
tive
Interval
Propose an
alternative solution
for the
transportation of
the academic and
administrative
community in a
safe and ergonomic
way.
Alternative
solution for
transportati
on
Security
How
safe/reliable is
the
transportation
system used?
Qualitati
ve
Ordinal
Interview
with
University
authorities
Routes Distance
Quantita
tive
Reason
Route
optimization
software
Cost
Mobilization
expenses
Quantita
tive
Reason
Interview
with
University
authorities
Source: Own elaboration.
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In response to this situation, a statistical analysis of omitted items was
conducted using Minitab statistical software. This analysis allowed for the
optimization of Cronbach’s alpha coefficient by excluding a specific variable. By
removing the "accessibility" variable, an increase in Cronbach’s alpha was observed,
reaching a value of 0.8384. This adjustment was implemented to improve the
internal consistency of the survey by excluding a variable that may have negatively
impacted the overall reliability of the measurements. To assess the quality of the
transportation service, a survey was conducted involving 46 students, 2 teachers,
and 2 staff members. Additionally, interviews were held with authorities from the
Salesian Polytechnic University to gather insights on the current transportation
situation.
Results and discussion
A random selection of 357 people was conducted to ensure a representative
sample of the Salesian Polytechnic University, Guayaquil Campus Centenario.
Participants were segmented into strata, including students, faculty, and
administrative staff, to capture diverse perspectives on transportation. The survey
focused on key aspects such as accessibility, safety, costs, schedules, and comfort,
aiming to identify common challenges and needs across the community. This
approach provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current transportation
systems and served as a basis for proposing improvements that promote safety,
efficiency, and satisfaction within the campus environment.
In the following questions: Do you have any disability that hinders your
mobility? the results of the survey of 357 participants, only 1% exhibit a disability,
while the remaining 99% do not show this condition. Indicate the type of disability.
It is shows the presence of 2 person intellectual, 2 physical and 1 hearing disabilities.
What activity do you perform at the Centenario campus? The majority of respondents
identify themselves as students, comprising 91%, teachers 65% and administrative
staff. Indicate the day you mostly attend the University. The Evening-Night mode
represents 56%, while the Morning- Evening mode represents 44%. Indicate the
admission schedules that you have in all your days at the University. In the admission
schedules, a marked tendency is observed in each of the days, with notable peaks
at 7:00 and 9:00, as well as at 18:00 and 20:00 see Fig. 2.
Figure 2
Entry time trend
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Source: Own elaboration.
In other questions as: Indicate the departure times that you have in all your
university hours. In the departure times, a pronounced tendency is evident on each
of the days, with notable peaks at 13:00 and 16:00, as well as at 20:00. The most
notable peaks are at 13:00 and 16:00, as well as at 20:00 and 22:00 see Fig. 3. What
is your point of origin to Centenario campus? The place of origin with the highest
percentage corresponds to the route from home to the university, representing 77%.
On the other hand, 23% correspond to people who commute from their place of origin
to the university. Which sector is closest to your place of origin and sub- sequent
arrival at the University? It is observed that a total of 57 individuals in the sample is
currently outside the city. In contrast, the other participants in the sample have
been categorized and distributed among the various sectors identified.
Figure 3
Departure time trend
Source: Own elaboration.
For another hand in the questions: What type of transportation do you use
to get from your point of origin to the Centenario campus? It is shows a considerable
rate, where 231 people opt for public transportation to go to the University. What
type of transportation do you use to go from the Centenario campus to your home?
There is an increase in the use of cabs and other transportation services. However,
there is a slight reduction in the use of public transportation when participants travel
to their homes. What is the monthly expense for your mobility to the University?
Fifty percent of the respondents recorded expenses that exceeded $30 for their
commute to and from the Salesian Polytechnic University.
Also, it is question about: According to your perception, rate how safe is the
means of transportation with which you currently travel from your place of origin to
the Centenario campus and vice versa. It is shows that a significant proportion of
people, both in the direction of the University and in the reverse direction,
experience levels of insecurity. According to your perception, please rate how
comfortable is for you the means of transportation with which you currently travel
from your origin to the Centenario campus and vice versa. It is evident that a
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considerable proportion of people, either going towards or away from the University,
experience levels of discomfort.
In Figure 4, a significant proportion of participants indicate that the current
transport service makes it easy for them to arrive on time, the service regularly
makes it easier for them to arrive on time, as well as to find their means of
transportation. When assessing the safety of the transportation used, they report a
significant proportion expressing a feeling of insecurity. In addition, the participants
are very positive about the fares charged for the various means of transportation.
Nevertheless, users suggest that there could be improvements in transportation
schedules.
Figure 4
Evaluation of the transportation service
Source: Own elaboration
According to the interviews conducted with the authorities of the
headquarters, the participation of various authorities of the Centenario campus was
considered with the objective of evaluating the current situation in relation to
insecurity and the associated costs during the mobility process. Likewise, we
inquired about the measures implemented with the purpose of favoring the
community that makes up the Centenario Campus. Authorities to be interviewed:
(Vice Rector of the Guayaquil Campus) Considers that the current situation of
insecurity is unprecedented since similar situations have not been experienced in
the past, this has affected the recurrent activities in instruction, causing 30 to 40
percent of the students to be absent. It indicates that the lighting in parking areas
is affected due to people outside the institution, who steal or damage the lighting
to strengthen security. He affirms that there are police patrols, however, it is not a
constant service. The possibility of establishing a dialogue for the economic benefit
of those people who depend on public transportation and are considered the most
vulnerable in terms of mobility is emphasized.
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He clarifies that it is not possible to implement a transportation system
similar to the Maria Auxiliadora Campus because the infrastructure of the Centenario
Campus is not conducive to the operation of large transportation units. (Technical
Director of Administration and Inventory - Guayaquil) In order to increase security
and maintain control, it was proposed that the units used by external transportation
cooperatives be equipped with security cameras. It was noted that the service is
free of charge for members of the community and that transportation contracts at
the María Auxiliadora Campus are renewed every year. (Academic Development
Coordinator - Guayaquil)
It supports the existence of a security cordon to ensure that students do not
experience incidents related to crime during their students do not experience crime-
related incidents on their way to the public transportation stops in the north and
south directions, while simultaneously improving the associated lighting on that
route. Reports on ongoing negotiations with external companies that provide
transportation services to students of the Domingo Comín school, an entity that is
part of the Salesian community. However, it is important to note that this service is
paid for by the students themselves. (Director of the Automotive Engineering Career
- Guayaquil) Indicates that public transportation is deficient in terms of safety, which
restricts their ability to travel. In addition, it highlights the absence of specific
programs for sustainable mobility programs on any of the campuses belonging to the
Guayaquil campus. (President of the headquarters workers’ association)
Considers that it is limiting that the Centenario Campus be open since he
mentions that the “we have as neighbors” the company Molinera Nacional and
therefore plans for pedestrianization are compromised. To meet the demand for
transportation for the community, it is proposed to implement a transportation
system that covers the areas mentioned in the survey conducted so that stops are
planned through the distribution of sectors, both inside and outside the city. These
routes are shows in Table 2.
Table 2
Geographic Areas
Route 1
Northwest I Mucho Lote 1, Bastión Popular, TT Pascuales
Northwest II Fortín, Entrada de la 8, La florida, Flor de Bastión
Northwest III Monte Sinai
Route 2
North Center II
Prosperina, Quinto Guayas,
Mapasingue, Juan Montalvo, Urdenor, San Felipe, los
Álamos
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North I Kennedy, Urdesa, Garzota, Atarazana, Martha de Roldós
North II Los Sauces, Guayacanes, Samanes, La Alborada
North III
Vergeles, Autop. Narcisa De Jesús, Orquídeas, Mucho
Lote 2
Route 3
Center 9 de octubre, Ayacucho, Urdaneta, La bahía
Southwest
Isla Trinitaria, Abel Gilbert, Batallón del suburbio,
Letamendi, Gómez Rendón, Portete, Cisne, Febres
Cordero
South I
Huancavilca, Guangala, La Saiba, Las Américas,
Centenario, Base Naval Sur, Los Almendros
South II Guasmo, Floresta, Los Esteros, Luz del Guayas
Route 4
North Center I Ceibos, Bellavista, Av Barcelona
Chongón Chongón, Villamil Playas, Cerecita, Progreso
West Via la costa
Route 5
Durán TT Durán, Banco Pichincha (Nicolás Lapenti)
Samborondón Rio Centro Entre Ríos
Source: Own elaboration.
The need has been identified to address the issue of mobility costs for
students, evidenced by an average monthly expenditure of $25. In this context, the
possibility of initiating a dialogue with the respective institutional authorities
focused on the potential implementation of measures to reduce such costs. Among
these measures is the possibility of offering scholarships or subsidies to those who
use public transportation. The surveyed people are dissatisfied with the different
means of transportation used for their trips. A suggested short-term solution is the
formalization of contracts with transportation companies. According to what was
indicated in the interviews, it is a requirement that these units must belong to the
category of commercial, school, and institutional land transport (Transporte y Obras
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Públicas, 2018).
According to Resolution-026-DIR-2022-ANT (Agencia Nacional de Tránsito
[ANT], 2022), these units have a useful life of 20 years. However, their use is
recommended up to half of their useful life, up to 9 years from their manufacture,
as long as their optimal conditions are guaranteed. In case of offering or contracting
the service, it is recommended to take as a reference the times of greatest need,
being for the entrance at 7:00, 9:00, 18:00, and 20:00; for the departure times at
13:00, 16:00, 20:00, and 22:00.
Suggestions will be considered, such as the installation of surveillance
cameras and security cordons in critical areas, such as parking lots or bus stops, in
order to ensure the physical and psychosocial integrity of the community. In such a
scenario, the transportation unit must comply with the "Minimum Safety Elements in
Motor Vehicles" according to the technical regulation (Instituto Ecuatoriano de
Normalización [INEN], 2016). In addition, in order to use the transportation, it will
be necessary to have a university credential that certifies to the driver or person in
charge that the individual belongs to the Centenario Campus. It is recommended
that the community’s demand for transportation be monitored to ensure that units
are available for the proposed routes.
For the present research, tools such as the survey directed to students,
teachers and administrative staff of the Salesian Polytechnic University of Guayaquil
Centenario campus were carried out. The analysis of the relevant criteria to evaluate
the effectiveness, strategies and adaptability of the academic community in the use
of transportation revealed significant results. In terms of participants, the majority
are identified as students, comprising 91%, while 6% correspond to teachers and 3%
to administrative staff. The distribution of academic schedules shows that 56%
attend the Evening-Night shift, and 44% attend the Morning-Evening shift.
As for the demand for admission to academic activities, there is a
pronounced interest at 7:00 and 9:00, as well as at 18:00 and 20:00. Departure times
also show notable patterns, with peaks at 13:00 and 16:00, and at 20:00 and 22:00.
The majority of respondents reside in the Tarqui and Ximena parishes of the city of
Guayaquil.
However, a group of 57 people were identified who live outside the city,
where public and private transportation are the most commonly used means of
transportation. In addition, when going out, many people use transportation services
such as cabs and express services, which allow them to arrive on time and within
their financial reach. A considerable proportion of the surveyed population is
satisfied with the fares offered by the different means of transportation. It is
important to note that there is a perception of insecurity and discomfort among
users when using the different means of transportation. The authorities’ testimonies
underscore an unprecedented situation of insecurity due to lighting problems and
intermittent police patrols.
The existence of a security cordon to prevent criminal incidents at public
transportation stops is highlighted. They report on ongoing negotiations with
external companies to offer transportation services to students, and highlight the
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limitation of the Centenario Campus being open, compromising pedestrianization
plans due to its proximity to the Molinera Nacional company. In summary, these
testimonies reflect concerns about safety, mobility and infrastructural limitations at
the Salesian Polytechnic University in Guayaquil.
This study was based on a sample, i.e., it did not consider 100% of the
individuals that make up the Centenario campus. It is suggested that a survey be
implemented every six months a survey with the purpose of evaluating the interest
of students, faculty, and administrative personnel in the use of a means of
transportation provided by the University. In situations where the options presented
are not accepted, a space will be provided for the person to textually add their
location. This will contribute to the creation of a database that will make it possible
to generate new stops in the future, while tracking demand between sectors and
stops on the proposed routes.
The results of this research coincide with previous studies on university
mobility and its implications. For example, Flores et al. (2022) evaluated spatial
accessibility in educational centers in peri-urban areas, highlighting that the lack of
adequate transportation directly affects students' equitable access and quality of
life. Similarly, Guillamón and Hoyos (2023) analyzed sustainable mobility in
universities and pointed out that safety problems, high costs, and inefficient
schedules are common in many higher education institutions, reflecting similar
findings to those of our study.
In addition, the perception of insecurity identified in this study is consistent
with the findings of González Quiñones et al. (2018), who noted that insecurity in
public transportation limits users' mobility and affects their psychosocial well-being.
However, in this case, a comprehensive approach is proposed that combines safety,
accessibility, and sustainability, offering a practical solution adapted to the local
context. By integrating the results of these studies with those of this research, the
need to address university mobility as an essential component of institutional
management becomes evident, reinforcing the importance of implementing efficient
transportation systems that contribute to the well-being of the educational
community.
Ribeiro and Fonseca (2022) analyzed the commuting patterns of 686 students
at the University of Minho, Portugal, emphasizing the potential for sustainable
transport. Despite 54% commuting less than 5 km, 42% still drive, though 55% of trips
could shift to active transport, reducing motorized transport from 70% to 45% and
CO₂ emissions by 27%. These findings highlight the need for sustainable mobility
policies, relevant to optimizing university transport in Ecuador. Additionally,
implementing Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) requires adapting to vehicular
flow variations due to class schedules, using sensors and predictive analytics to
optimize efficiency and reduce costs (Regragui & Moussa, 2023).
University campuses are key transportation hubs due to the high volume of
commuters, impacting traffic congestion, especially during peak hours. Optimizing
public transport is crucial for student mobility, and Matas-Monroy, Martín, and
Román (2025) found that direct routes, punctuality, and increased bus frequency are
essential improvements. Their findings emphasize the need for policies that align
with students’ mobility needs. Understanding university travel behavior is vital for
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promoting sustainability, as distinct commuter patterns shape transportation
demand. Hamad, Htun, and Obaid (2021) observed that most travelers at Sharjah
University City prefer driving alone, influenced by economic and environmental
factors. Gender differences were noted, with female students favoring buses and
males opting for active transport. The study underscores the importance of improved
public transport, including air-conditioned bus stops, to encourage sustainable
travel.
Conclusions
The results derived from the survey have made possible the construction of
fundamental data for the initiation of subsequent research that addresses the
problems inherent to the processes of mobilization of people at a general level. In
the first analysis, the general conclusion has been reached that urban mobility
constitutes an aspect of complex dimension, requiring periodic studies and updates,
taking as a reference the constant variation of perceptions of population safety and
vehicle increase.
This study has reported that the quality of transportation used by people
does not reach optimal standards. The criteria of 357 stratifications, segmented
among students, faculty and administrative staff, were examined in order to
evaluate the needs present, such as accessibility, safety, costs, schedules, and
comfort, among others, that impact the daily mobility to the facilities of the Salesian
Polytechnic University, specifically the Centenario Campus.
The perspective of the various Campus authorities was considered in order
to understand the current situation of mobility within the institution and the
measures implemented to obtain positive results in the same. Based on the survey
and the poll carried out, considering the measures suggested by the authorities, we
proposed the establishment of a transportation system that would benefit the
university community, complying with schedules, routes and other essential
requirements for the movement of associated individuals. This aims to promote
shared transportation and improve the psychosocial well-being of people by using a
safe means of mobility.
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| Roberto López-Chila | Kevin Caiza Medina | Ronald Zurita Peñaloza |
About the main author
Roberto López-Chila, Ecuadorian, holds a Master's degree in Business
Administration
from the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Salesiana Polytechnic University). He is
a research professor at the Universidad Politécnica Salesiana (Salesiana Polytechnic
University) with 10 years of experience in educational innovation, mark
eting, and
economics. He has published in journals indexed in databases such as WoS and
Scopus, among others.
Declaration of author responsibility
Roberto
López-Chila:1:
Conceptualization, Data Curation, Formal Analysis,
Research, Methodology, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation/Verification,
Visualization, Writing/original draft and Writing, review and editing.
Kevin Caiza Medina
2: Conceptualization, Data Curat
ion, Formal Analysis,
Research, Methodology, Resources, Software, Supervision, Validation/Verification,
Visualization, Writing/original draft and Writing, review and editing.
Ronald Zurita Peñaloza
3:
Formal Analysis, Research, Resources,
Validation/Verification, Visualization, Writing/original draft and Writing, review and
Financing:
This research was carried out using our own resources.
Special Acknowledgments:
