Embedding Equity in Transportation: A Global Perspective

Introduction

In today's rapidly evolving urban landscape, the integration of equity into transportation planning and decision-making has become paramount. This article delves into insights from global transportation experts on embedding equity into infrastructure projects, ensuring accessibility, and tackling social exclusion. Drawing on a recent webinar hosted by Steer, we unveil strategies from around the world that prioritize equitable transportation solutions.

Equity in Transportation: A Global Endeavor

The Importance of Equity in Planning

Liliana Perea, Director and Equity and Inclusion Practice Lead at Steer, emphasizes the critical role of equity in transportation projects. Acknowledging her background and the unique challenges faced by underserved communities, Perea's work focuses on incorporating equity and inclusion in sustainable mobility projects. This approach is foundational in creating transportation systems that serve everyone, particularly those in need.

Rethink Room Series: Pushing Boundaries

The webinar is part of the Rethink Room series, a global forum designed to challenge conventional thinking in city, infrastructure, and transport planning. These forums provide a platform for leaders to share insights, fostering conversations that reflect Steer's local and international footprint. A recent highlight includes a session on the UK's EV charging infrastructure, showcasing the firm's commitment to challenging norms and promoting inclusivity.

The Shift Towards People-Centered Decisions

The conversation around transportation has shifted towards a more people-centered approach, recognizing the diverse needs of different communities. This shift demands an acknowledgment of the relationship between transport, health, and well-being. Projects aimed at benefiting large populations often replicate existing inequities, highlighting the need for nuanced, community-driven solutions. Steer's Equity and Inclusion Practice, embedded in partner firms, exemplifies this approach, integrating equity and inclusion in advising the infrastructure, cities, transport, and economic development sectors.

Panel Highlights: From Research to Implementation

Karen Lucas: Transport and Social Justice

Karen Lucas, a professor of human geography, discusses the importance of definitions and indicators in measuring transport poverty. Her work emphasizes mapping transport-related social exclusion and developing integrated impact assessments for large infrastructure projects. Lucas advocates for rebalancing the distribution of transport resources to address the needs of socially disadvantaged individuals.

Sadi Graham: Link21 Program

Sadi Graham, Link21 Program Director, shares how the Bay Area Rapid Transit District integrates equity as a core objective. The program focuses on seamless passenger rail connectivity, with equity considerations informing project development and business case frameworks. Graham highlights the importance of early coordination, community partnership, and co-creation in advancing equity.

George Darido: World Bank's Inclusive Urban Mobility

George Darido, Lead Urban Transport Specialist for the World Bank, outlines the institution's focus on ending poverty and boosting prosperity. The World Bank's Environmental and Social Framework supports inclusive development, emphasizing social inclusion, gender aspects, and stakeholder engagement. Darido presents the Urban Rail Development Handbook, which includes a chapter on project planning for inclusive development, underscoring the importance of availability, accessibility, affordability, and acceptability in public transport.

Dianna Rodriguez Franco: Transforming Bogota with Care Blocks

Dianna Rodriguez Franco, Secretary of Women's Affairs of Bogota, introduces the concept of care blocks. These areas integrate services for caregivers, care receivers, and families, addressing the unpaid care work burden predominantly shouldered by women. By offering simultaneous services in proximity, care blocks aim to liberate time for personal development and enhance women's participation in society. Rodriguez Franco's presentation exemplifies the potential of social innovations in addressing both equity and sustainability challenges.

Conclusion

The insights shared during the webinar underscore the imperative of embedding equity in transportation planning and decision-making. From academic research to practical implementation, the speakers highlight the need for community-driven, context-sensitive solutions that acknowledge and address the diverse needs of all populations. As we strive towards more equitable and sustainable transportation systems, the lessons from these global experts provide valuable guidance for integrating equity into every step of the process.

For more information and to watch the webinar, visit Steer's YouTube channel.