Date: February 25, 2025 PDF: 271 KB
Every community is unique and faces its own opportunities and challenges. It is important to recognize what distinguishes one community from another, especially when considering their transportation needs because there is no one-size-fits all solution.
When considering communities that may be characterized as economically depressed, remote or underserved, also designated as “disadvantaged,” it is essential to understand their transportation situation and their ability or inability to accommodate new technology or solutions. Only by identifying how these communities approach their transportation needs can policy be crafted in a way to deliver positive results for all communities.
The Whitepaper, Transportation Equity for Disadvantaged Communities, was authored by TEI Board of Advisor member Tammy Klein, Founder and CEO of Transport Energy Strategies.
Some key considerations include:
- Because many individuals in DACs still rely heavily on ICEVs and liquid fuels, understanding how these fuels can benefit these communities is crucial for determining the most effective and feasible strategies for improving transportation access while reducing environmental burdens.
- Of particular interest to DACs is how the cost of owning and maintaining an EV compares to traditional vehicles. Communities need to understand:
- What programs are available to assist with these costs?
- Which programs are directed at the community in general and at consumers within DACs specifically?
- How do these programs support one another to provide benefits to the entire community?
- DACs often face a cumulative burden from multiple environmental stressors, including transportation-related pollution, industrial emissions, and poor housing conditions. What specific strategies are being implemented to ensure that TE initiatives lead to measurable improvements in air quality?
- In what ways are TE efforts sensitive to the cultural and social practices of rural and tribal communities, particularly in terms of transportation preferences and needs?
The questions presented in this white paper are designed to facilitate a comprehensive evaluation of TE initiatives. By addressing these questions, policymakers and stakeholders can better understand the multifaceted impacts of TE policies and projects and engage meaningfully with DACs.
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