{"id":20183,"date":"2021-09-24T11:44:39","date_gmt":"2021-09-24T15:44:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/crisisassistance.org\/?p=20183"},"modified":"2021-09-24T11:44:40","modified_gmt":"2021-09-24T15:44:40","slug":"transportation-equity-the-often-forgotten-aspect-of-poverty","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/crisisassistance.org\/2021\/09\/24\/transportation-equity-the-often-forgotten-aspect-of-poverty\/","title":{"rendered":"Transportation Equity: The Often-Forgotten Aspect of Poverty"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
When\u00a0you\u00a0think\u00a0about\u00a0poverty, transportation is\u00a0probably not\u00a0the first issue that comes to mind. But\u00a0having\u00a0a reliable and affordable means of\u00a0getting around\u00a0town\u00a0is fundamental to accessing vital resources. That access, in turn,\u00a0is key to\u00a0economic\u00a0wellbeing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The ability to get back and forth to work, take children to daycare, arrive on time for medical appointments, and shop for food and other essentials is basic to a family\u2019s financial stability. However, owning a car is prohibitively expensive for many households, involving a monthly payment, insurance, gas, inspections, taxes, and maintenance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public transportation is the only alternative for many households, but it brings a different list of barriers. In cities like Charlotte, where the bus system was designed with routes that branch out from a central hub, riders are often forced to take a circuitous trip involving multiple buses with lengthy wait times in between. A commute that might take a car owner 15 minutes to drive can easily consume 90 minutes or more of a public transit rider\u2019s day. That lost time can translate directly to decreased wages, missed doctors\u2019 appointments, less quality time with loved ones, and increased stress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Of course, a community\u2019s transportation system involves more than just its roads, private vehicles, and public transit. Factors such as safe options for walking and biking, and the equitable distribution of those assets throughout all neighborhoods, play an essential role in creating transportation equity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A recent Discover Magazine<\/em> article entitled \u201cGreen Spaces Are a Necessity, Not an Amenity\u201d<\/a> outlines the many ways spending time outdoors in nature improves our mental and physical health. However, the article reports that 70% of low-income communities lack access to green spaces. The negative consequences for children growing up without safe outdoor areas for walking, biking, and playing can be lifelong. <\/p>\n\n\n\n