Toward Socially Sustainable Urban Transportation: Progress and Potentials

Boschmann, E. Eric; Kwan, Mei‐Po

doi:10.1080/15568310701517265

Cited by 135 publications

(76 citation statements)

References 58 publications

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“…The transport sector is responsible for a quarter of global energy-related greenhouse gas emissions, and shows an increase in emissions that is faster than that of any other sector [11]. In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the concept of transport disadvantage as well and its possible consequences-such as the social exclusion of low-income groups and communities [12]-and in the transport-based barriers that contribute to social injustices-especially along the lines of race and class [13]. These are sometimes referred to as "transport poverty" [14].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Public Transport in Society—A Case Study of General Policy Documents in Sweden

Stjernborg

Mattisson

2016

Sustainability

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Abstract:The aim of this paper is to study how local governments in Sweden view the role of public transport in society, and to investigate how public transport is used in a strategic capacity. By studying general policy documents, the ambition is to gain a wider understanding of the role of public transport based on the societal context it is situated in. Documents from 15 regions and 27 municipalities have been analysed by a qualitative content analysis. Results show that public transport is regarded as an important factor towards achieving other goals and other public values, particularly those related to economic and environmental issues; and that the social dimension is not as prioritised. Rail-bound public transport is often advocated, as are collaboration between organizations and integrated land-use and transport planning. However, the studied documents showed large overall differences in how counties and municipalities address public transport issues. It should be a priority in Sweden's main steering documents to treat public transport consistently and give it the same priority as other societal functions-not least because Sweden's treatment of public transport is a reasonable reflection of its overall society and can influence prioritisations and considerations in counties and municipalities across the country.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Role of Public Transport in Society—A Case Study of General Policy Documents in Sweden

Stjernborg

Mattisson

2016

Sustainability

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“…A multicriteria analysis (MCA) approach appears to represent a step forward in making the optimization model correspond more closely to the sustainability principle, according to the dimensions of socially sustainable urban transportation described in Boschmann and Kwan (2008).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Optimal and Long-Term Dynamic Transport Policy Design: Seeking Maximum Social Welfare through a Pricing Scheme

Guzman

Hoz

Monzón

2013

International Journal of Sustainable Transportation

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“…Although transportation is increasingly framed as a social issue by researchers and policy-makers [13][14][15][16], the social dimension is still largely marginalized in planning processes [2,13,[17][18][19]. One reason for this is the dominance of the conventional planning approach, which typically focuses on traffic flows [20][21][22].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Quality of life is central in the literature on socially sustainable transportation, defined as the fulfilment of the values and needs of an individual [2]. For the purpose of this study, the term quality of life is used to refer to the direct impacts of transportation infrastructure on individuals.…”

Section: Literature Review and Theoretical Background 21 Transportatmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Research has shown that the lack of adequate transportation options is associated with higher unemployment rates and increased risks of social exclusion [1][2][3][4][5]. On the other hand, the presence of high-capacity roads in a neighbourhood can have significant adverse impacts on residents' quality of life in terms of safety, health, air and noise pollution as well as neighbourhood livability [6][7][8][9].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Opening the door to social equity: local and participatory approaches to transportation planning in Montreal

Boisjoly

2017

Eur. Transp. Res. Rev.

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Purpose Transportation systems play a key role in providing individuals with a diversity of means to access their desired destinations and have significant impacts on their quality of life. The social perspective of mobility is, however, marginalized in the current model of transportation planning and significant changes are called for. This study aims to identify the barriers and opportunities of local participatory approaches to trigger changes in transportation planning in Montreal, drawing on the concept of social learning. Methods A case study approach is selected and the participatory processes of two Local Transportation Plans (LTPs) are analysed. Data is collected through document analysis and semi-structured interviews with local transport planners and representatives of community groups. A qualitative content analysis is conducted to assess the outcomes of public participation, the quality of the processes and the perspectives of participants.Results The results highlight the narrow contribution of the participation of local communities and community groups in the development of LTPs. Furthermore, the participatory process assessed in this research allows for a limited integration of social aspects in the planning process. The main barriers lie in the broader planning context and the organizational structure at the borough level as well as the lack of expertise of the community groups. Nevertheless, LTPs provide a window of opportunity for addressing transport-related social aspects. Conclusion In order to take advantage of this opportunity and foster social learning towards the desired changes, the process requires the inclusion of clear social equity goals at the metropolitan level. Furthermore, the presence of a skilled facilitator is key to support the integration of diverse perspectives on transportation planning. It is also essential to provide community groups with resources to meaningfully participate in the process, thereby promoting social equity. In sum, LTPs have the potential to further include the social dimension of transport, but further steps are required to foster an equitable and sustainable transportation system. This research is of relevance to researchers and planners wishing to better understand the challenges associated with participatory processes and social equity in transport planning.

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Toward Socially Sustainable Urban Transportation: Progress and Potentials

Cited by 135 publications

References 58 publications

The Role of Public Transport in Society—A Case Study of General Policy Documents in Sweden

The Role of Public Transport in Society—A Case Study of General Policy Documents in Sweden

Optimal and Long-Term Dynamic Transport Policy Design: Seeking Maximum Social Welfare through a Pricing Scheme

Opening the door to social equity: local and participatory approaches to transportation planning in Montreal

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