Getting Us There: Transportation Systems in Urban Regions And The Effect on Quality of Life
Abstract
This paper will attempt to explore the complex interconnections between
transportation systems and the lives of those who use them. First, an overview of the
history of transportation in the United States and a summary of the current state of
affairs helps to identify what the major problems and issues are. The human aspect of
transportation is the major focus, looking at quality of life indicators and measures,
livability, psychological sense of community in relation to engagement in planning and
advocacy, and public health and safety. Certain groups are more affected than others in
these areas. The mobility poor are groups of people who are adversely affected by our
current system. Transportation is in this framework not simply a tool for connecting
point A to point B, but a civil rights and social justice issue. Finally, some of the
solutions to the problems identified will be discussed.