Assessing the Accessibility Needs of the Transportation Disadvantaged: A Comparison of US and UK Transportation Policy

The transportation system creates barriers to some individuals and groups, known as the transportation disadvantaged, in their ability to fully participate in society. Attempts are being made in the United States and United Kingdom to address these accessibility problems. In the US, these efforts stem from environmental justice, a policy that centers on minority and low-income populations. A similar, yet distinct policy has recently gained traction in the United Kingdom called social inclusion. The transport aspect of social inclusion is known as accessibility planning. This paper will look at how the transportation disadvantaged are identified and how the transportation planning process currently assesses the accessibility impacts that are placed upon these populations in each country. Both federal guidance and regional transportation plans are examined. Special attention is paid to the use of indicators and targets in regional transportation plans which are used to measure the accessibility of the transportation disadvantaged. Finally, the accessibility assessment process in both countries is summarized along with suggestions for how this process can be improved.Master of City and Regional Plannin