"Efficiency -Equity -Clarity" Lessons From Katrina and Rita What Major Disasters Can Teach Transportation Planners

Abstract This paper examines failures in hurricane Katrina and Rita emergency response and their lessons for transportation planning in other communities. Katrina's evacuation plan functioned relatively well for motorists but failed to serve people who depend on public transit. Rita's evacuation plan failed because of excessive reliance on automobiles, resulting in traffic congestion and fuel shortages. Equitable and compassionate emergency response requires special efforts to address the needs of vulnerable residents. Improved emergency response planning can result in more efficient use of available resources. This paper identifies various policy and planning strategies that can help create a more efficient, equitable and resilient transport system