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Exploring the Impact of Public Transportation on Health Outcomes: A Study of Community Impact
The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of public transportation on health outcomes among rural and other disadvantaged families and communities. While there is a rich literature review that provides valuable insight into the relationship between public transit and health outcomes, there is a gap specifically addressing how access to public transportation and other mobility options can reduce health disparities. In addition, most studies focus on urban settings, leaving the impacts on rural communities underexplored. Lastly, there is a need for more comprehensive data that considers the complex nature of the interplay between transportation affordability, frequency of service, on-time performance, and the physical accessibility of transit infrastructure. By understanding the relationship between transportation access and health this research aims to inform decision-makers to create policies and interventions that can improve public transit systems to better serve disadvantaged populations and rural areas. This research will explore the hypothesis that improved access to public transportation correlates with better health outcomes.
USDOT Priority:
Access to health care, and health-related services, including nutritional and social networking, is vital for families and communities. Limited to no public transit or other mobility options within a community can lead to significant detrimental health outcomes, which may include postponing well visits at the risk of advancing debilitating illnesses and diseases, or the inability to meet nutritional needs, as examples. Preventing chronic and catastrophic illnesses though access to preventive services is both fiscally and socially responsible.
This research activity directly supports USDOT’s strategic initiatives to support and engage people and communities to promote safe, affordable, accessible, and multimodal access to health services. The project’s goal is to improve access to health services for families, particularly for those in rural communities.
Principal Investigator:
Lisa Staes
PI Contact Information:
University of South Florida
Funding Source(s) and Amounts Provided (by each agency or organization):
Federal - $100,000; non-Federal - $50,000
Total Project Cost:
$150,000
Agency ID or Contract Number:
69A3552348328
Dates:
September 2024 to August 2025
Implementation of Research Outcomes:
A synthesis of practice will be developed that includes the outcomes of three tasks, which will generate both quantitative and qualitative analyses, a literature review, stakeholder input with 10 to 15 advocate interviews, and four transit agency case studies (two urban and two rural).
Impacts/Benefits of Implementation:
This project has been designed to better understand health inequities and outcomes of those who have limited access to health care and health-related services, including individuals living in rural areas, persons with disabilities, individuals who are experiencing homelessness, low-income individuals and families, and others for whom equity remains a challenge. Through this understanding, it is anticipated that improvements can be made through better informed decision-making, including support services and programs led by local agencies and governments, state governments, Federal agencies, public transportation agencies, and community-based organizations.
Research Implications:
- Influence policy and development and professional practices.
- Enhanced health disparity understanding.
- Address social determinants of health in agreement with the USDOT strategic plan.
- Improve health interventions.
- Promote cross-sectoral collaborations.
- Reduce health disparities.
Project Number:
2502
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Contact Us
SJSU Research Foundation 210 N. 4th Street, 4th Floor, San Jose, CA 95112 Phone: 408-924-7560 Email: mineta-institute@sjsu.edu
