Equity (noun): freedom from bias or favoritism, the quality of being fair and impartial. Discussion of equity can imply broad considerations. Equity is a complex and challenging topic. In the transportation profession, equity reaches deeply into the communities and people we serve. It does not come with checklists, handbooks, or standards. It routinely involves judgement and differences in thought. Because of this, people often prefer to avoid the sensitivity of equity discussions altogether.
When we speak of transportation equity today, the conversation generally turns to topics such as travel modes and social, racial, and economic themes commonly emerge. Growing up in rural northwest Oregon, I remember that the equity of rural/urban funding priorities were a frequent discussion. What happens when equity takes an unexpected turn? Are we working to make transportation safer, more reliable and truly equitable for all, or are we limiting ourselves to checking compliance boxes to convince others we are achieving equity? For the past 40 years, I’ve experienced issues in our industry that leave me wondering if we have a full appreciation of equity. Are we making the best possible choices when selecting professionals to design and plan our transportation systems?
While I would love to have the answers to this, it actually generates more questions for me. Why is it we struggle with consideration of equity in transportation? Is it because of the leaders who try to control the process of ideas and community solutions to fit their narratives, agenda, ego, timeframes, or financial interests? Is it a fear that seeking equity can be a largely unknown territory leading to endless schedules, budget overruns, not looking good, or losing a job? If equity is important, what are its limits? Where the majority benefit, does that mean the needs of the minority can be ignored? Or the reverse, when the minority is favored? When working together, are we fair and impartial toward one another in our work? How do we react to favoritism and bias when it affects transportation? Do we seek refuge in what we see as our truth, the comfort of people we align with, or do we pursue the broader needs of the community? We must demand of ourselves a solution beneficial to all.
Equity in transportation is complex. It challenges us, our budgets, and schedules to serve its purpose. I believe transportation professionals are well positioned to meet this challenge. Seeking equity in the planning, design, and operation of our transportation systems allows us greater understanding of the community context and the underpinnings of why resistance to change exists. Advancing equity when we work together—on proposals, contracts, and projects—will make our industry better for the next generation of transportation professionals.
In this issue of
ITE Journal you will find articles that speak to the heart of these topics, contributed by partners including Toole Design Group, Better Bike Share Partnership, Feonix – Mobility Rising, and more. Exploring equity on many fronts, as these articles do, has the potential to make future transportation systems better for all. Find the courage to listen, understand, and seek meaningful change. Don’t miss the opportunity to shape your community by working toward equity.
This blog was taken from the President's Message from the February 2020 issue of ITE Journal.