EQUITY ISSUES IN URBAN TRANSPORTATION

The problem of equity in urban transportation is examined. It is argued that three main concepts of equity coexist uneasily and compete for priority within the field of urban transportation. The three concepts are fee for service, equity in service distribution, and service distribution according to need. The recent trend is toward emphasis on the most redistributive of these concepts, but the main urban transportation (including mass transit) programs still channel their expenditures in ways that systematically favor those least in need. During the past several years there has been a significant growth of interest in the mobility problems of the elderly and hancicapped, but intense controversy persists about the priority that should be accorded their alleged "needs" and about the means that should be used to serve them.