Access to Healthcare: How Transportation Challenges Affect Chronically Ill Populations in Dallas, TX, and Detroit, MI

Transportation is essential for ongoing healthcare needs and access to medication, particularly for individuals managing chronic illnesses. Without reliable transportation, delays in care can happen, leading to missed treatments, worsening health problems, and unmet needs, which can make health outcomes worse over time. This study examines the relationship between transportation insecurity and health status, with a specific focus on individuals with chronic health conditions. The central research problem addressed in this study is how the perception of transportation-related barriers affect access to healthcare among the residents in Dallas, TX, and Detroit, MI, with a focus on those with chronic health conditions. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression and independent-samples t-tests, were conducted to assess differences between people with and without chronic health conditions. The Transportation Security Index (TSI) was used as a key metric to quantify levels of transportation insecurity. In both Detroit and Dallas, the chronically ill population exhibits a greater concentration in the “high insecurity” and “marginal insecurity” categories, while the population without chronic health condition is more likely to fall within the “no insecurity” category. The regression results are statistically significant, indicating that respondents with chronic health conditions are more likely to experience marginal or high transportation insecurity compared to those who do not have chronic conditions. Moreover, the cost of transportation, service delays, and limited ride availability are key transportation challenges affecting public transit users when accessing healthcare services in Dallas and Detroit. The findings of this study can support transportation planners, healthcare providers, and policymakers in developing targeted mobility interventions, improving transit accessibility, and designing equitable healthcare access strategies for populations experiencing transportation insecurity.