License suspensions are often issued for minor offenses, as well as those unrelated to driving, such as failure to pay fines. These suspensions disproportionately impact Black and Latino communities and can be devastating in car-dependent areas.
Equity
The Effects of Bus Stops and Brownfields on Economic Mobility
Can urban forms influence the economic mobility of a community? New research finds some correlation between the number of bus stops, brownfields, and and economic mobility in Forsyth County, NC.
The Divisive Legacy of an Urban Freeway in Austin, Texas
Groups such as the Austin Latino Coalition argue that while the Black and Latino residents east of I-35 are disproportionately affected by COVID-19, they’re not being prioritized to receive the vaccine. Locating the majority of vaccine providers to the west of I-35 (figure 1) represents a burden to the east-side residents who may rely on transit in this city—considered the most car-dependent in Texas.
Transit is Essential for Essential Workers
New research shows that transit has been a critical lifeline for those still working outside their homes, even as more agencies face severe budget challenges. Many of those transit users are “essential workers” who tend to have lower incomes and are people of color.
Transportation Advocates are Looking for Alternatives to Enforcement
Biking advocacy organizations are moving away from police enforcement as a strategy to improve roadway safety in light of the dangers and disproportionate financial burdens those strategies place on Black and Brown people.
DOTs Can Take Steps Toward Antiracist Policies and Practices
From our virtual Community of Practice Meeting: State DOTs are wrestling with a long history that has often marginalized and underserved communities of color. For some agencies, that means rethinking how to approach decision making through an antiracist lens and taking steps to reverse past damage.
Sexual Harassment Is an Underreported Safety Issue on Transit
Although deterring sexual harassment in the overall public realm goes beyond the scope of a transit agency, there is still a lot that policy makers and transit agencies can do to make public transit safer for all.
Oakland Redefines Its Open Streets Program During the Pandemic
Oakland, CA, has added a new component to its Slow Streets program in order to address the concerns of vulnerable communities: Essential Places.
Is Armed Law Enforcement the Best Solution to Keep All Transit Riders Safe?
A new study highlights innovative and creative ways of making public transit safe and civil that do not involve armed policing.
Rural America needs a new transportation policy, and broadband is key
Rural areas have unique transportation needs that national transportation policy hasn’t always successfully addressed, as we’ve previously covered.