Transportation is more than just a system that gets you from point A to point B. It has played a significant role in shaping our communities physically, socially, and economically. Not to mention, it also influences the health of a person and their environment. Transportation also influences our choices, such as where to live, work, or attend school, making it essential to our daily lives. Not only that, but transportation also creates opportunities. It connects people from one place to another by allowing them to get to their jobs, school, or interviews, thus, creating opportunities.
Transit systems shape our community physically in a way that impacts a community's demographics, affecting a person's health. In most cases, low-income communities that are predominantly communities of color have a higher concentration of freeways near them, less greenery, and more narrow streets. These characteristics impact a person's physical health because it exposes them to a higher level of air pollution, making them more prone to acquiring asthma and other respiratory issues. Having narrow streets can also impact the safety of a community. There is less space accessible to drivers and pedestrians, making it more likely to create collisions.
Transportation shapes our community socially. People rely on different modes of transportation to get around. Depending on the community, the method of transport that is accessible to people varies. In a large city, there are more public transportation systems available to people. That is because these are dense cities with limited space for parking; therefore, people rely on public transportation. In addition to this, since everything is in close proximity, public transport may be a preferable option. This shapes the environment socially by having more people on the street. In more urban areas, public transit methods can become less accessible. The reason for that is because people rely more on private vehicles. This can be true for various reasons, such as affordability and time.
Transportation also shapes our community economically. The average value of an area depends on what transit systems are in close proximity. Areas with more highways are usually valued less because of the high levels of air pollution it can produce, making this an unhealthy environment. Areas with minimal highways and more green spaces are valued at a higher cost since the shared environment is "healthier."
Overall, transportation impacts different aspects of our daily lives. It creates opportunities and shapes our shared environment.
Cytron, Naomi. The Role of Transportation Planning and in Shaping Communities.