A new study finds a connection between multimodality and income inequality in midsized cities.
"Looking at 148 midsize cities across the country, researchers found that income inequality declined when the percentage of commuters using some form of transportation other than single occupancy vehicles increased," reports Leah Binkowitz.
The study, by Chad Frederick and John Gilderbloom, both from the Centre for Sustainable neighborhoods at the University of Louisville, was published in October by the Local Environment journal.
The article by Binkowitz allows Frederick a chance to explain the importance of the findings, highlighted by the summary that a little bit of multi-modality goes a long way for income equality. "If you have 20 percent multimodality and go to 25 percent, you should see some very significant differences in all kinds of social outcomes," says Frederick in his own words, as quoted in the article. That reach means that transportation policy might have more impact than other policies governments could focus on to improve income equality. It also means that incremental changes can have outsized benefits.
FULL STORY: The Link Between Cars and Income Inequality
Details of the District DOT's Multi-Modal Crosstown Makeover
A conceptual study released earlier this spring would add new options for alternative modes of transportation between the neighborhoods of Columbia Heights and Brookland in Washington, D.C.
When it Comes to Vehicle Travel, Less is More
Motor vehicle travel provides many benefits, but also imposes large costs on users and communities. With better planning people can drive less, rely more on non-auto modes, enjoy more access, and be better off overall as a result.
$2 Billion Federal Grant for Red Line Extension Project to Chicago’s South Side
A plan to extend the Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) Red Line 5.6 miles to the south won a $2 billion grant from the federal government.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Congressman Proposes Bill to Rename DC Metro “Trump Train”
The Make Autorail Great Again Act would withhold federal funding to the system until the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), rebrands as the Washington Metropolitan Authority for Greater Access (WMAGA).
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
DC Backpedals on Bike Lane Protection, Swaps Barriers for Paint
Citing aesthetic concerns, the city is removing the concrete barriers and flexposts that once separated Arizona Avenue cyclists from motor vehicles.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)