ABSTRACT
In this book we have attempted to present and clarify aspects of transportation equity to highlight linkages with civil rights, environmental justice, and social equity concerns. The discussion first focused on personal transport in the metropolitan context, for which there are substantial data available. We consider demographic trends to be very influential on the persistence of transportation inequities into the future. These demographic trends are a function of both historic and current forms of discriminatory policies that have, among other things, resulted in racial segregation and concentrated poverty. We recognize that transportation mobility is only one factor affecting social and economic opportunity for individuals, workers, and households. But, as we also argue, transportation mobility and accessibility affect the locations of employment and housing opportunities. This means that mobility and accessibility are in fact crucial and interrelated to social and economic outcomes. The ability to travel is synonymous with the ability to participate.
