EQUITY IN TRANSPORTATION

Proving equal access to transportation options across a community are critical for a high quality of life and to promote the health and safety of individuals who live in a community. Oftentimes, there are segments of the population, vulnerable populations, that are disproportionately impacted by lack of facilities, a safe environment, or modal choices. This leads to equity issues in a community,

2 Vision Zero Website, July 2020 or environmental justice. Environmental justice is the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of all individuals of all people regardless of race, color, national origin, or income, with respect to the development, implementation, and enforcement of laws, regulations, and policies.

When undertaking transportation improvements and using federal dollars, the federal government requires federal transportation projects to address the impacts to low-income and minority populations. The MPO has identified seven underserved or vulnerable populations that should be evaluated to determine how a project might impact them. These underserved/vulnerable populations include minority, lowincome, English as a second language, no college degree, zero car households, people over 65, and those with physical limitations.

One of the ways to compact inequity is to ensure that all individuals have a voice in the process. Equity cannot be an “add-on”. The planning process must be planned from the beginning with an idea of how underserved or vulnerable populations will be served. While vision zero is a data driven approach, its important have qualitative information to add a richness or connection to that approach that brings life to the data with real stories and experiences why vision zero matters. These stories can only be gathered in person.

Today, there is some distrust of institutions like the government and law enforcement. Community partners such as a local chamber of commerce, churches, and other groups can help bridge the gap. Enforcement of policies and laws related to vision zero could increase tensions in these areas that are distrustful. Instead, professional engineers and planners and elected officials must be bold enough to look at design elements and other features that would protect and promote safety over using punishment to try and curb behavior.

Changing the way processes have been led and how underserved/vulnerable populations have been engaged with and treated must be addressed. Thoughtful collaboration with the community and other community and business leaders will ensure that the right solutions fit the needs and the transportation problems of a community without creating environmental justice issues. The goal is to give everyone a voice in the process and to provide the opportunity for all to have a choice in a safe and reliable transportation network.