Project Description:

The importance of social equity in healthcare accessibility cannot be overstated. Disparities in health outcomes often occur among residents with different levels of access to healthcare, and spatial patterns of illness have been known to be associated with the distribution of healthcare. A key component for achieving social equity in healthcare access is equitable access to healthcare through public transit, as public transit serves a disproportionately higher percentage of low-income individuals, people with disabilities, minorities, and older adults. Extant studies on public transit are inchoate in two approaches. First, research on the spatial structure is only done in a few geographic areas, such as Chicago and Minnesota. Second, various approaches, spanning from the simple distance metric to one with multiple catchment areas, have been used to measure accessibility. There is no unanimous agreement on how to evaluate public transit accessibility. This project aims to investigate how residents who live in disadvantaged communities utilize public transit systems to reach healthcare facilities.

US DOT Priorities: 

This research project directly supports the USDOT strategic goals of Equity and Preserving the Environment and Climate, and Sustainability by addressing transportation-related disparities in healthcare access for disadvantaged communities in Austin, TX. The project identifies existing inequities in transportation access and aims to rectify them by promoting safe, affordable, and accessible multimodal transportation options for all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location. In addition, the project aligns with USDOT priorities by promoting sustainable transportation solutions that reduce environmental impacts. By encouraging the use of public transit and active transportation, the project emphasizes the importance of cleaner, more efficient systems that lower emissions and pollution, thereby contributing to healthier environments. These efforts not only address disparities in healthcare access but also ensure that all residents have access to eco-friendly transportation, fostering a more sustainable and equitable transportation system.

Outputs: 

After completing the proposed project, we will deliver an evaluation of public transit in Austin, TX by measuring the distance/transit time between healthcare facilities and public transit stations and quantifying the percentage of area in disadvantaged communities covered by the walkable distance from public transit stations.

_{Figure 1. Public transit lines and stops in Austin and surrounding areas}

Outcomes/Impacts: 

• Application of Research Outputs: The research outputs could lead to significant changes in the transportation system and its regulatory, legislative, or policy framework. Policymakers might use this information to design and implement strategies aimed at improving public transit services to better serve disadvantaged communities in accessing healthcare facilities. This could involve reallocating resources, adjusting transit routes, or implementing targeted programs to address transportation barriers. 
• Transfer to Practice and Policy Decisions: Transferring the research outputs to practice and policy decisions involves disseminating findings to stakeholders, developing policy briefs, engaging decision-makers, fostering partnerships, piloting interventions, and evaluating outcomes. By engaging stakeholders and advocating for policy changes, the research outputs can inform the development and implementation of policies and initiatives that address transportation barriers and improve public transit services for disadvantaged communities, ultimately enhancing healthcare access and equity.
• Positive Impact on Transportation System: The research outputs positively impact the transportation system by enhancing safety, reliability, durability, and cost-effectiveness, while promoting equity and social inclusion. By identifying areas with inadequate transit access to healthcare facilities, transportation authorities can implement targeted safety measures and reliability enhancements, ensuring safer and more dependable transportation options for passengers. Understanding the specific transportation needs of disadvantaged communities also leads to the development of durable infrastructure and cost-effective solutions, optimizing resource allocation and reducing overall costs. Moreover, promoting equity in transportation access fosters greater social inclusion, community well-being, and public health outcomes, building more resilient and sustainable transportation systems that effectively meet the diverse needs of all residents.