Public Transportation in the U.S.: A Driver of Health and Equity

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Questions and Answers

What is meant by 'public transportation' in the context of the brief?

Transportation services provided by the government only

Transportation services limited to older adults

Transportation services exclusive to individuals with disabilities

Transportation services available to the general public (correct)

Who is disproportionately harmed by lack of access to public transportation according to the brief?

Children and students

Older adults and individuals with disabilities (correct)

Younger adults and middle-income workers

White workers and high-income workers

How can new or expanded public transportation options impact health and health equity?

Improve physical and mental health, and increase access to vital services (correct)

Increase traffic crashes and air pollution

Exacerbate social isolation and decrease access to healthy food

Reduce access to medical care and employment opportunities

What can inform decision making on equitable approaches to transportation planning and implementation?

Improved and aligned metrics Signup and view all the answers

Which groups are overrepresented among commuters who rely on public transportation according to the brief?

Black workers, low-income workers, and younger adults Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the interventions supported by the Health Impact in 5 Years initiative?

Adding new or expanding existing bus routes Signup and view all the answers

What does the CDC Foundation provide for public health professionals?

A Public Health Action Guide on how public health can partner Signup and view all the answers

What has the COVID-19 pandemic led to in terms of transit agencies?

Partnerships with public health and federal agencies Signup and view all the answers

What is identified as essential for communities recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic?

Safe and thriving public transit options Signup and view all the answers

What is considered as a potential role for public health practitioners according to the text?

Engaging in local transit decision making Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of the transit plan mentioned in the text?

Reducing disparities in access to economic and social opportunities Signup and view all the answers

Which transportation method is mentioned as a cost-efficient option with increased passenger capacity?

Buses Signup and view all the answers

What did Florida adopt in 2014, focusing on land use and transit ridership?

Complete Streets Policy Signup and view all the answers

Which demographic group relies more on public transportation according to the text?

Black workers Signup and view all the answers

Which entity aims to eliminate transportation barriers for vulnerable populations?

Coordinating Council on Access and Mobility Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of public transportation funding comes from the federal government?

18% Signup and view all the answers

What needs more research for better health outcomes?

Equitable transportation access and performance measurement Signup and view all the answers

During which time period did public transportation ridership decline?

2014-2018 Signup and view all the answers

Which act provides long-term funding for regional transportation and aligns with public health goals?

FAST Act of 2015 Signup and view all the answers

What type of projects were funded by a collaboration between the metropolitan planning organization and the Federal Highway Administration in Nashville?

Active transportation projects Signup and view all the answers

How can public transportation improve health and health equity?

By improving access to medical care, healthy food, vital services, employment, and social connection Signup and view all the answers

Why has public transportation infrastructure historically faced challenges?

Due to the prioritization of roads over public and active transportation Signup and view all the answers

What impact does inadequate public transportation have on health care appointments?

It results in missed or delayed health care appointments Signup and view all the answers

How does access to public transportation impact social isolation?

It can increase social isolation for older populations, people with disabilities, and others who do not drive Signup and view all the answers

What was the influence of the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956 on public transportation infrastructure?

It contributed to the diminished public transportation infrastructure Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Public transit is crucial for community recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic, according to experts.
Public transportation can improve health and health equity by reducing traffic crashes, air pollution, increasing physical activity, improving access to medical care, healthy food, vital services, employment, and social connection.
Health is influenced by social and economic conditions, with 40% related to social and economic factors, 30% to health behaviors, 20% to clinical care, and 10% to the physical environment.
Transportation is a part of the built environment with significant impacts on public health and health equity.
Public transportation policies, planning, and infrastructure investments have historically favored roads over public and active transportation, leading to health hazards and community segregation.
Access to public transportation can increase use and improve health outcomes by promoting better air quality, increasing levels of physical activity, decreasing injuries from motor vehicle crashes, and improving mental health.
Public transportation can reduce health disparities and promote health equity by increasing access to healthier food options, medical care, vital services, and employment for underserved communities.
Public transportation includes various options like buses, streetcars, light rail, ferries, and subways, providing regular and continuous transportation to the public.
The history of public transportation in the US has been influenced by the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, which prioritized national highway networks and contributed to the diminished public transportation infrastructure.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury-related death for many age groups and contribute to significant air pollution.
Public transportation systems have been associated with reductions in motor vehicle crashes and significantly lower emissions per passenger mile compared to single-occupancy vehicles.
Inadequate public transportation can result in missed or delayed health care appointments, poorer health outcomes, and increased health expenditures.
Public transportation can increase social isolation, particularly for older populations, people with disabilities, and others who do not drive.
In 2019, about 5% of all workers in the US commuted by public transportation, with the highest usage in major cities like New York, Chicago, and San Francisco.

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Description

This quiz explores the impact of public transportation on health disparities, focusing on groups such as women, young adults, Black workers, and low-income workers who rely heavily on public transportation. It also delves into the disproportionate harm faced by older people and individuals with disabilities due to lack of access to public transportation.