Ensuring Equity in Rural Transportation Programs

Equity in transportation is ensuring all community members have access to high-quality, affordable, safe, and reliable transportation options. Rural programs can integrate equity into program planning and implementation by addressing common barriers to transportation in rural areas and the needs of populations disproportionately affected by those transportation barriers.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has developed four equity-related performance goals and twelve associated key performance indicators linked to achieving equity in transportation. The four performance goals for equity are: expanding access; wealth creation; power of community; and proactive intervention, planning, and capacity building. Rural communities can use these performance goals and indicators to guide efforts to ensure equity in transportation programs.

Examples of cost-effective approaches rural communities can use to ensure equitable transportation for all include:

• Ensuring meaningful engagement with rural populations disproportionately affected by transportation barriers.
• Collaborating with local, state, and federal officials to ensure dedicated funding for transportation.
• Coordinating with other sectors, such as land use, housing, agriculture, education, and economic development, to ensure decisions advance equity, rather than exacerbate disparities.
• Designing transportation systems using universal data standards to increase coordination between different organizations — including transportation providers, private companies, and funders.
• Developing robust data systems to track use of transportation services, including efficiency of systems.
• Increasing access to technical support, tools, and resources to help rural communities to design transportation systems that meet the needs of rural residents.
• Integrating efforts to address the needs of all populations, such as increasing public transportation routes in low-income neighborhoods and committing to affordable fares.
• Providing access to sidewalks and safer biking and walking lanes for those who do not have a personal vehicle to ensure more equitable access to the road.

For more information on addressing health equity in rural programs, see our Rural Health Equity Toolkit.

Resources to Learn More

Equity Action Plan Summary: U.S. Department of Transportation
Document
Provides information about USDOT's strategy to create equitable transportation in underserved communities by empowering small businesses, improving access to affordable transportation, and offering initiatives to encourage ridership.
Organization(s): U.S. Department of Transportation
Date: 1/2021

Equity in Transportation
Document
Offers an overview of USDOT's efforts to address equitable transportation. Includes information on integrating equity into transportation funding and planning, and using an equity-based approach for transportation operations.
Organization(s): Federal Highway Administration
Citation: Public Roads, 87(1)
Date: 2023