Incorporating equity into active commuting to school infrastructure projects: A case study

Abstract

• The 2016 Austin Mobility Bond provided funding for active transportation projects. • The SRTS process prioritized projects using demand, community input, safety, and equity. • Qualitative data highlighted inequities in fund allocation, though equity was a criterion in project prioritization. • Low-resource communities need significant funding to achieve optimal SRTS infrastructure. • Prioritizing equity over equality in distribution of funds for SRTS projects is important. The City of Austin, Texas, USA allocated significant funding for comprehensive Safe Routes to School (SRTS) infrastructure projects split equally across Council districts, but allocated funds using a scoring system incorporating demand, community input, safety, and equity. This case study describes the SRTS project prioritization process and provides a qualitative assessment of how well health equity was addressed. Data from City of Austin reports were combined with school-level demographic data to determine equity of need distribution; interviews were conducted with city-level stakeholders. Area- and school-level socioeconomic status represented equity measures in prioritization of projects for construction. Results indicate that council districts with the highest funding needs had an average of >80 % economically disadvantaged students, and qualitative data identified the equal, but inequitable nature of the funding among the council districts was a top concern. Lessons learned from this process can serve as an example for equity considerations in active transportation infrastructure.