By Nyla Holland, brunocoelho/Shutterstock, Housing Matters, August 2, 2023
Access to public transportation connects people to work, health care, entertainment, and more. But not everyone has equal access.
Historically, low-income communities and communities of color have been cut off from public transportation. Across the country, highways and large infrastructure projects were often built in ways that furthered racial segregation and isolated people of color, including building on Native lands and running highways through and around Black communities. For those who’ve been disproportionately deprived of access, having quality, affordable public transportation near where they live can help improve their outcomes and narrow the opportunity gap.
Additionally, about half of all transport emissions come from light-duty vehicles, which hurt environmental and human health. When public transportation is more accessible and affordable, studies show that drivers are more likely to switch to buses and trains (PDF), which substantially cuts toxic emissions.
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