Urban sprawl and travel to work: the case of the metropolitan area of Madrid

The relationships between urban sprawl and journey to work in the metropolitan area of Madrid are analysed. Three elements of urban sprawl are addressed (metropolitan expansion, low-density and work and leisure facilities in suburban areas) and are related to the main characteristics of mobility (flow networks, mode-choice, and travel times). The conclusion reached is that the elements defining the new metropolitan morphology are related to an unsustainable mobility model, which increases commuter numbers, distances, and car use.