Lot 6 NJCU Shuttle Bus Stop
People who rely on public transportation are at higher risk of unemployment, lower wages, lack of education and general resources due to insufficient federal funding for public transport services. Public transit funding in America is littered with systemic inequalities that show long-standing social conflict that negatively affect low-income communities. These inequalities stem from historic patterns of segregation, underinvestment in public infrastructure, and policy decisions that prioritize suburban, car-dependent communities over urban, transit-dependent populations.
One of the major issues is uneven distribution, or the "allowance" of federal and state transportation funding. Much of this funding is directed toward highways and roads due to the effects of greed and "white flight" in general. Since highways often benefit wealthier, predominantly suburban commuters, this state of today's funding model worsens social imbalances by neglecting the transit needs of inner-city residents, many of whom are people of color. Urban communities rely heavily on public transit for their daily commutes yet face underfunded and unreliable systems. And the organizations that manage transit systems are often funded through sales taxes, which can fluctuate with the state of the economy, leading to expenses that can exceed revenue. Additionally, wealthier areas have more political influence on secure funds for transportation projects that serve their consumer wants.
The consequences of these funding inequities are sharply defined and active. Low-income communities endure long wait times, congestion, and limited-service options. In some cases, these areas are abandoned, where public transportation options are virtually non-existent. These conditions not only affect mobility but also limit access to essential needs like healthcare, preserving systemic inequalities. If we are to address these issues, a collective approach is needed. Advocacy efforts should focus on shifting public transportation funding at the federal, state, and local levels. This includes pushing for legislation that disburses more funding in underserved areas. Advocates should also demand equitable transit-oriented projects that prioritizes affordable housing near transit hubs, preventing gentrification that displaces low-income residents from accessible means of transport.
Activists and community groups can play a key role in raising awareness of these issues by simply asking questions to prompt change. By partnering with local government officials, and engaging the public through education and interplay, they can build broad forces to demand equitable transportation policies.
Ultimately, addressing systemic inequalities in public transit requires sustained drive and political will to ensure that all communities have access to reliable, affordable, and efficient transportation.
Art of Activism
"We make sense of our world through symbols and stories at least as much as we do through facts and figures." Page 23
This quote represents a societal fetish for luxury. Often, we are quick to say we need something because of the social status it may reward but fail to consider the use from a practical perspective. The farther along we delve into our studies of what activism is, I begin to realize this is just a result of capitalist upbringings. Marketing strategies cater to this fetish to amass profit, and the oil and gas industries are prime examples. Overall, it goes to show why highway infrastructure is prioritized over mass transit, sadly.
"If our process is rooted in vengeance, fury, hopelessness, or despair, our efforts will likely fail." Page 59
Anytime we invest ourselves into a project, or group of projects, we should prioritize growth first and foremost. Personal growth and the act of strengthening one's community are equally important, thereby acting on negative emotions prevent constructive solutions. As artistic activists, the goal of our practice is engaging and empowering others as well as ourselves.
Works Cited
Hassen, F., Jr., Rev. L. Y., & Klinger, S. (2022, January 27). How the U.S. Transportation System Fuels Inequality. Inequality.org. https://inequality.org/research/public-transit-inequality/#:~:text=For%20decades,%20the%20federal%20government%20has
2024 current state of the union: US Transportation & Infrastructure. USAFacts. (2024, March 6). https://usafacts.org/state-of-the-union/transportation-infrastructure/#:~:text=About%2044%25%20of%202023%20federal%20transportation%20and%20infrastructure,rail%20and%20mass%20transit%20%2822%25%29%20and%20water%20%2810%25%29.
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