Curbside Social Equity Strategies (Part 2): Access as a Human Right

Curbside Social Equity Strategies: Reevaluating Payment Plans, Fines, and Enforcement

Part 2: Access as a Human Right

Transportation professionals have argued for some time that access should be considered a human right.  After all, access to schools and employment determines how much people earn; access to healthy food options drives our life expectancy; and access to modal alternatives determines whether we’ll be burdened by the expense of a car. In the past, both city officials and transportation consultants have proposed that TNCs--or transportation network companies that use municipal assets without really paying their fair share for services--need to step up and do their part to help bridge the divide underserved commuters face. The shared economy needs to start sharing with those most in need.  Further, it has been stressed that cities should do more by helping businesses relocate to underserved neighborhoods and providing tax credits for hiring local residents.