How do you address equity and social justice in transportation demand?

2 Why is equity and social justice in transportation demand important?

Equity and social justice in transportation demand are important for several reasons. First, transportation demand affects the quality of life, health, safety, mobility, access, and economic opportunities of people and communities. Therefore, transportation demand can either enhance or undermine the well-being and dignity of people and communities, depending on how it is managed and influenced. Second, transportation demand is influenced by various factors, such as land use, pricing, infrastructure, services, incentives, regulations, and information, that are often controlled or influenced by public agencies or private entities. Therefore, transportation demand can reflect or reinforce the existing power structures and inequalities in society, depending on how these factors are designed and implemented. Third, transportation demand can have significant environmental and social impacts, such as greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, noise, congestion, and accidents, that are often externalized or shifted to other people or places. Therefore, transportation demand can create or exacerbate environmental and social injustices, depending on how these impacts are measured and mitigated.

3 How do you assess equity and social justice in transportation demand?

Assessing equity and social justice in transportation demand requires a comprehensive and systematic approach that considers multiple dimensions and indicators. Availability, affordability, acceptability, adaptability, accountability, and impacts are all key areas to consider. To assess these areas, data analysis, mapping, surveys, interviews, focus groups, workshops, scenarios, modeling, evaluation, and monitoring can be used. However, it is important to apply caution and sensitivity when using these methods and tools as they may have limitations and biases that can affect the validity and reliability of the results. Therefore, it is essential to utilize multiple sources of data collection and analysis as well as involve diverse stakeholders and experts in the assessment process.

4 How do you address equity and social justice in transportation demand?

Addressing equity and social justice in transportation demand requires a proactive and collaborative approach that involves multiple stakeholders and actions. Policy makers should set the vision, goals, objectives, and principles for equity and social justice in transportation demand, while planners should design and implement the strategies and policies for equity and social justice in transportation demand. Practitioners should deliver and operate the services and programs for equity and social justice in transportation demand, while researchers should provide the evidence, knowledge, and innovation for equity and social justice in transportation demand. Advocates should raise awareness, mobilize support, and demand action for equity and social justice in transportation demand, while users should participate and contribute to the decision-making and implementation processes for equity and social justice in transportation demand. All of these stakeholders should be aligned, coordinated, responsive, adaptive to changing needs, guided by values of inclusion, diversity, respect, empowerment, accountability, transparency, and sustainability.

5 What are some examples of equity and social justice in transportation demand?

There are numerous examples of equity and social justice in transportation demand from different places and contexts. Low-income transit pass programs, such as those in Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, aim to improve the affordability and accessibility of transit for the low-income population. Bike share equity programs, such as those in Boston, Chicago, New York, and Philadelphia are designed to increase the availability and acceptability of bike share for underserved communities. Congestion pricing equity programs, such as those in Stockholm and London, provide exemptions, discounts, or rebates for congestion pricing schemes for low-income or vulnerable drivers. Finally, community-based TDM programs like those in Bogota and Curitiba involve and empower local communities to develop TDM strategies that suit their needs and preferences. All of these initiatives strive to enhance mobility and access to opportunities for those who need it most.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?