A survey to investigate transport conditions in depopulating cities in Illinois

Despite the global population increase, many cities in the world are depopulating. While the literature focuses heavily on the challenges brought by an increasing population, depopulating cities face many challenges as well. In particular, the management and maintenance of infrastructure often becomes challenging in depopulating areas. To identify the challenges related to transport, this study conducts a survey on depopulating cities in Illinois. Asking questions about the availability of travel modes, the challenges faced by users of each mode, commonly/possible implemented solutions to facilitate mobility, and investment and funding in transport, this study provides an analysis of transport conditions in depopulating cities from an administrative standpoint. A descriptive analysis of the survey responses is presented to provide aggregated results and to exhibit how responses vary with city size and location. This study also highlights the importance of evaluating existing conditions to implement tailored solutions to local contexts instead of applying blanket solutions that often fail to benefit the residents.