From Transport Poverty to an Inclusive Transport System: A Model Proposal to Alleviate Socio-Spatial Inequalities
This research project aims to examine the factors and consequences of socio-spatial inequalities based on transport within the framework of transport poverty. To this end, it is developing a model proposal to alleviate socio-spatial inequalities in line with the inclusive transport target, which can be positioned as the overarching aim of transport planning, with data and analysis to be compiled on the dynamics of inequalities that make up transport poverty. The parameters defined in the literature are handled with regard to the case of Istanbul in order to measure the transport poverty. For this purpose, transport poverty in Istanbul has been mapped, the spatial reflection of transport poverty has been examined, and the levels and forms of exposure of different socio-economic and socio-demographic groups to transport poverty have been investigated. One of the unique values of the project is that the inclusive transportation model to be developed for measuring and eliminating transport poverty will be developed on a multi-stakeholder basis. Other unique aspects of the project are that the hitherto unconnected literatures of poverty and transport poverty are discussed together, a comprehensive methodological approach to measuring transport poverty is developed and contributions to policy are made directly.
The project seeks answer to “how socio-spatial inequalities caused by transport poverty in large cities may be alleviated through inclusive transport”. The research, based on the hypothesis that transportation poverty generates disadvantages in terms of spatial accessibility and differs according to individuals’ socio-economic and socio-demographic characteristics such as age, gender, income, educational status, household size, disability status, and employment status, focuses on three parameter groups when measuring transport poverty.
In this project, the abovementioned hypotheses and their applicability to Turkey has been examined via a stakeholder workshop that involved relevant units of the local government, followed by a field work conducted in Istanbul. The first phase of the field work involved face-to-face interviews with 3,135 individuals, and in the second phase, a focus group study will be conducted with individuals who are identified as transport poor one way or another. Review of the relevant literature based on hypotheses which determine the level of transport poverty through a diverse pool of variables that include age, gender, vehicle ownership, driving license ownership, income, education level, household size, number of children, disability, working condition, marital status, etc. will shed light on data analysis. The field work will be followed by the mapping of findings, analysis of the qualitative data and forecasting the basic scenario for 2030-2050. Finally, the findings obtained from the field will be discussed within the scope of the workshop where backcasting methods will be applied with local government and civil society representatives in order to establish policy measures. The model and policies to be developed on the project findings will be disseminated by means of multi-stakeholder and interactive environments and academic publications, and are expected to provide tangible benefits to social justice and socio-economic development at the city, region and country levels.