Equity in transport planning are we asking the right questions?

Abstract

Equity in transport planning reduces the accessibility and mobility deficit towards disadvantaged people. The idea of transport justice generally denotes the fairness with which transportation impacts (costs and benefits) are distributed, transport policies are equitable if they favour economically, socially or mobility disadvantaged groups, therefore compensating for overall inequities (Litman 2014:50-51). Redressing the inequalities of the apartheid land-use and transport policy requires deliberative planning. In an unequal developing society, like South Africa, it is important that the injustices that are highlighted by transport corridors are rectified with knowledge and understanding. Public participation and cross-pollination between various departments, business and civil society improves knowledge of the extent and forms of injustice. Transport planning for equity considers an expansion of the traditional four-step model to improve accessibility and mobility of the vulnerable and disadvantaged. A simplified example of the application of Marten’s proposed rules of transportation planning using justice principles (Martens 2017:174) is explored for a vulnerable urban worker. Then a proposal of questions to ask in planning process is presented. The success of any intervention that fosters equity and operational transport justice requires a shift from current practices.