Accessibility, equity and transport

Abstract

Reductions in the levels of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the transport sector is an important overriding policy concern, but this must be achieved without compromising access to the services and amenities that are required for everyday life and contribute to social and economic inclusion (SSEE, 2010). This challenge is indicative of a broader policy conflict between sustainability and social equity objectives that has been observed in both the developed world (for example, Lucas, 2006) and in rapidly urbanizing and motoring countries (for example, Ahmed et al., 2008). While sustainability initiatives emphasize significant reductions in traffic levels and promote active travel and public transport, social equity initiatives recognize that the car is increasingly necessary for socially disadvantaged groups to fully participate in everyday life. The reductions in car use required to adequately decrease GHG emissions could thus drastically and adversely affect the life chances of many disadvantaged individuals and communities. This chapter addresses the theme of equity and accessibility in transport, and comprises five sections. It aims to provide the reader with an in-depth analysis of the main issues associated with this theme and its intersection with wider issues, such as social inclusion.