The Outsiders: Planning and Transport Disadvantage

The notion of transport disadvantage and how it is addressed by planners in the United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom are examined in this paper. Key groups of transport disadvantaged people are identified, which leads to a discussion of the importance of the concept of mobility and access for all members of the community. The second part of the paper suggests that the provision of transport can be used as a tool to advance equity in a population. Given that government subsidies are often associated with the promotion of equity, the effects of transportation subsidies are discussed. The third section of the paper examines some possible remedies for transport disadvantage in both an operational and policy sense. Non-mainstream transportation solutions are examined and their place in the overall system identified. The chief strength of much paratransit its close ties to local planning processes is compared with traditional transport planning approaches. Finally, a case is made for more public participation in transport planning and the development of local planning processes.