Public transit problems disproportionately impact Black, vulnerable communities

From [HERE] From Chicago to Los Angeles, Houston to New York City, some of the country’s largest and most populous cities are facing financial stress. 

According to analysis by The Pew Charitable Trusts, published earlier this year, at least 20 of the country’s 25 largest cities must close budget gaps, as cities experience budget challenges related to rising costs, revenue sources that are struggling, reduced federal support and increased fiscal and economic uncertainty.

When cities are plagued by financial stress, essential services such as transit and infrastructure can be affected, further marginalizing already marginalized communities. Transit systems in various cities are experiencing funding gaps, with cities adding bus and rail systems to their budget cuts.

… Non-White communities made up 60% of riders, and 24% of riders were Black, according to the report. While 13% of U.S. households had incomes below $15,000, 21% of transit-using households had incomes below $15,000. Most riders used transit to get to and from work or to shop. “The overall majority of people who ride public transit are non-White, with Black people comprising the largest single group. So, when you cut funding for public transportation, when you refuse to invest in public transportation infrastructure, particularly as it relates to the inner cities, then what you have is a situation whereby these persons find it difficult to get back and forth to work,” Student Min. Haleem Muhammad said. “Public transportation is a necessity because most of the poor don’t have vehicles or have cars.”[MORE]