The Impact of Urban Rail Transit on Youth Population Mobility: A Theoretical Framework Based on Employment Choices and Migration Costs

Zhongyu Shi

doi:10.54254/2754-1169/2025.GL26004

Advances in Economics, Management and Political SciencesOpen access

The Impact of Urban Rail Transit on Youth Population Mobility: A Theoretical Framework Based on Employment Choices and Migration Costs

Research Article

Open Access

The Impact of Urban Rail Transit on Youth Population Mobility: A Theoretical Framework Based on Employment Choices and Migration Costs

Zhongyu Shi ^1*

¹ Beijing Normal - Hong Kong Baptist University

^*Corresponding author: szy6668882025@163.com

Published on 13 August 2025

AEMPS Vol.208

ISSN (Print): 2754-1177

ISSN (Online): 2754-1169

ISBN (Print): 978-1-80590-315-4

ISBN (Online): 978-1-80590-316-1

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Abstract

The relationship between urban transit infrastructure and labor market dynamics has gained increasing attention globally, yet significant gaps remain in understanding its impact on youth populations in rapidly urbanizing contexts. Guangzhou presents a compelling case study, where rapid urban rail transit (URT) expansion has outpaced systematic evaluation of its socioeconomic effects, particularly for young workers aged 18-35 who constitute a vital segment of the city's labor force. This research investigates how URT development influences youth employment patterns by examining three interconnected dimensions: spatial accessibility to job opportunities, commuting behavior modifications, and the trade-offs between improved mobility and environmental externalities. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining geospatial analysis of transit networks with longitudinal labor market data and environmental impact assessments. Special attention is given to how transit-induced reductions in commuting costs may expand effective job search radii for youth while simultaneously altering urban air quality patterns. By analyzing these dynamics in Guangzhou's context of explosive urban growth and transportation infrastructure investment, the research aims to provide policymakers with evidence-based insights for balancing mobility gains with sustainable development goals, ultimately contributing to broader discussions about equitable transit-oriented development in emerging economies.

Keywords:

Urban Rail Transit (URT), Youth Employment Mobility, Spatial Labor Market Dynamics, Sustainable Urban Transportation

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References

[1]. Brandtner, C., Lunn, A., & Young, C. (2019). Spatial mismatch and youth unemployment in US cities: Public transportation as a labor market institution. *Socio-Economic Review, 17*(2), 357-379. https: //doi.org/10.1093/ser/mwx052

[2]. Wang, F., Wei, X., Liu, J., He, L., & Gao, M. (2019). Impact of high-speed rail on population mobility and urbanisation: A case study on Yangtze River Delta urban agglomeration, China. *Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, 127*, 99-114. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.tra.2019.07.003

[3]. Guirao, B., Lara-Galera, A., & Campa, J. L. (2017). High Speed Rail commuting impacts on labour migration: The case of the concentration of metropolis in the Madrid functional area. *Land Use Policy, 66*, 131-140. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2017.04.004

[4]. Zenou, Y. (2011). Search, migration, and urban land use: The case of transportation policies. *Journal of Development Economics, 96*(2), 174-187. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.jdeveco.2010.10.004

[5]. Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Statistics. (n.d.). Statistical bulletin on the national economic and social development of Guangzhou City. http: //tjj.gz.gov.cn

References

[4]. Zenou, Y. (2011). Search, migration, and urban land use: The case of transportation policies. *Journal of Development Economics, 96*(2), 174-187. https: //doi.org/10.1016/j.jdeveco.2010.10.004

[5]. Guangzhou Municipal Bureau of Statistics. (n.d.). Statistical bulletin on the national economic and social development of Guangzhou City. http: //tjj.gz.gov.cn

Cite this article

Shi,Z. (2025). The Impact of Urban Rail Transit on Youth Population Mobility: A Theoretical Framework Based on Employment Choices and Migration Costs. Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences,208,46-51.

Data availability

The datasets used and/or analyzed during the current study will be available from the authors upon reasonable request.

About volume

Volume title: Proceedings of ICFTBA 2025 Symposium: Financial Framework's Role in Economics and Management of Human-Centered Development

ISBN: 978-1-80590-315-4(Print) / 978-1-80590-316-1(Online)

Editor: Lukáš Vartiak, Habil. Florian Marcel Nuţă

Conference website: https://2025.icftba.org/Galati.html

Conference date: 17 October 2025

Series: Advances in Economics, Management and Political Sciences

Volume number: Vol.208

ISSN: 2754-1169(Print) / 2754-1177(Online)

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