Abstract

Introduction: The use of private cars in everyday trips has increased throughout the last decades in Temuco one of the medium-sized southern cities of Chile in a way that most of the roadways in peak hours are faced with traffic jams. However, public transportation and active travel are regarded as more sustainable modes of transportation. Moreover, one of the biggest issues in Chile's cities is socioeconomic segregation. This study examines the relationships between commuters' various mode choices and the related variables according to Temuco neighborhoods with low versus high socioeconomic status (NLSES vs. NHSES). Methods: The goal was examined using a questionnaire and multinomial logistic regression. Results: Public transit and private vehicles are the primary travel mode options of the commuters in NLSES and NHSES respectively. Furthermore, it is preferred that cycling be promoted in both types of neighborhoods. Additionally, in the majority of the models, owning a private vehicle showed a favorable association with the use of private cars. Enhancing active travel and public transportation, particularly in NLSES, has been linked to various recognized lifestyle types and social factors such as role models. Moreover, perceived accessibility and the ease of access to bus stations emerged as advantages for active travel and public transportation use in NLSES and NHSES, respectively. Conclusions: Urban and transportation policymakers in this city may use these findings to enhance the use of public transportation and active travel in commuter journeys, taking into account the distinctive features of each neighborhood type in this city. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd