Is Title VI enough? A review of bus network redesign equity analyses

Abstract

Since the mid-2010s, an increasing number of transit agencies have undertaken bus network redesigns (BNRs) to better align service with rider needs. BNRs entail major equity impacts but existing approaches to assessing those impacts often fall short in various ways. This study reviews 45 BNRs across 40 agencies and produces a normative four-level analytical framework for analyzing their equity impacts. We argue that BNR equity analyses should clearly define target populations, impacts assessed, and the rules used to make equity determinations. Current equity analyses often rely on census data and proximity-based metrics, which overlook the lived experiences and barriers faced by older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. We recommend incorporating rider-based sources, such as on-board surveys, and integrating community feedback to capture who benefits from or is burdened by service changes. We advocate for combining systemwide and route-level evaluations to reveal more granular equity impacts and support responsive design changes.