Public Transportation In The US: A Driver Of Health And Equity

Last week, my car was in the shop from Friday until Tuesday. It wasn’t a long period of time, but it did impact my mental health. There were times when I did feel trapped. I was dependent on others to go anywhere. While I can walk to a handful of stores in my area, Louisville had high heat warnings, and we were advised not to spend much time in the heat. If I wanted to take the bus from my home to the car repair shop, it would’ve taken me almost two hours, for a journey of 4 miles. I couldn’t help my think of how much easier things would’ve been if Louisville, KY, had better public transportation options. I thought about those who do not own a vehicle and those who live in areas without frequent bus arrivals. This experience led me to this month’s topic. I hope you will enjoy this deep dive into the relationship between public transportation and mental health.- Dr. Unseld

Excerpt: “Transportation policies, planning efforts, and infrastructure investments have historically emphasized roads over public and active transportation, contributing to health hazards and segregating communities. New or expanded public transportation options can increase access to and use of transit and can improve health outcomes by promoting better air quality, increasing levels of physical activity, decreasing injuries from motor vehicle crashes, and improving mental health. Access to public transportation may also reduce health disparities and promote health equity by increasing access to healthier food options, medical care, vital services, and employment for communities that do not have equal access to these fundamental daily necessities.”

Citation: “Public Transportation In The US: A Driver Of Health And Equity, " Health Affairs Health Policy Brief, July 29, 2021.DOI: 10.1377/hpb20210630.810356