Transit's Imminent Evolution
Investing in Equitable Public Transit under the Biden Administration
The Biden administration has pledged to invest in high-quality, zero-emissions public transportation options for every American city with at least 100,000 residents, as part of a broader commitment to address the transportation sector's greenhouse gas problem.
This ambitious plan, however, comes with a hefty price tag. According to the Urban Institute, transforming public transit would require an additional $2 billion annual investment at minimum. The question, then, is how to invest in public transit while centering equity and accessibility.
One key strategy is to direct federal infrastructure funds towards modernizing transit systems with a focus on marginalized communities. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) passed under Biden allocates $39 billion specifically to modernize transit and improve accessibility nationwide. This includes funding for projects designed to serve historically underserved populations who have been negatively impacted by past infrastructure decisions, such as majority Black communities disrupted by highway construction from the mid-20th century onwards.
Coordinating land use and transit policies is another crucial aspect. Organizations like Smart Growth America emphasize integrating land use, housing, and transportation investments to create vibrant, equitable places that improve access, health, and prosperity for all. This involves rewriting zoning and development rules to prevent systemic exclusion and to prioritize access for people with disabilities, low-income residents, and communities of color.
However, transit agencies face financial challenges. Farebox revenue declines since the pandemic have prompted proposals for fare hikes and service cuts that risk reducing accessibility for low-income riders—counter to equity goals. Local efforts, like congestion pricing in New York City, attempt to refill transit coffers in ways that can be structured equitably, but cuts to transit funding at the federal level risk undermining progress toward inclusive transit.
Addressing accessibility concerns is paramount, particularly for individuals with disabilities and those living in poverty. Jordana Maisel, the director of research at the University at Buffalo's IDEA Center, stresses the importance of considering unique concerns that different populations face when planning for accessibility.
The key to avoiding gentrification and building a utopian world of transit, according to Tamika Butler, a principal in the transportation sector, is a shift in power and increased diversity within transportation agencies. Diversity for diversity's sake is not enough; a shift in power is necessary to address the lack of representation in the transportation sector.
Investing in public transit and reducing car infrastructure is crucial for a lower carbon footprint. Christof Spieler, the director of architectural engineering company Huitt-Zollars, emphasizes this point, noting that these employees aren't easy to replace.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of public transit, with at least 237 public transit workers in the U.S. having died from the virus, according to a September story from the American Prospect. Many public transit workers have quit or been laid off due to health concerns or financial issues during the pandemic.
The popularity of open streets in cities like New York and Oakland during the pandemic is a testament to the public's desire for safe, accessible transportation options. Paris, for example, established special cycleways for bicyclists to safely commute to work during the pandemic.
Joe Biden's climate plan includes a focus on public transportation. Transportation is the largest greenhouse gas contributor in the U.S., and expanding public transit systems and building more walkable cities is necessary to address this problem.
However, ongoing political and budget pressures pose challenges that must be addressed to sustain these equity-centered investments. Proposed cuts to transit in some appropriations bills are a concern, and it is crucial to maintain affordable and reliable service to avoid burdening vulnerable riders.
In sum, centering equity and accessibility while investing in public transit under the Biden administration means leveraging historic federal funds from laws like the IIJA, coordinating land use and transit policies to uplift underserved communities, maintaining affordable and reliable service, and carefully designing revenue mechanisms to avoid burdening vulnerable riders.
- To align with the Biden administration's climate plan, consider subscribing to a newsletter that focuses on education and self-development about sustainable transportation and climate change.
- A sports magazine could feature an article discussing the role of art in designing inclusive and accessible public transit systems, highlighting how culture can help create a sense of community around these projects.
- In a climate-focused magazine, delve into how the Biden administration's investments in public transit can contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector.
- A community newsletter might cover the improvements and advancements in public transit, like the modernization projects funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), and how these changes are enhancing accessibility for underserved populations.
