Planning For Transit Equity: A Comparative Study Of Warsaw And Toronto

Investment into public transit is attractive to governments to reduce congestion that a high volume of private vehicles creates. However, investments tend to be politically driven which affects the growth of the transit network and does not take into consideration if investments are equitable. In an increasingly neoliberal society, transportation planning must recognize the diverse needs of the public and plan equitable transit. Equity is often mistaken for equality. Equitable transit allows users to access opportunities and participate in out-of-home activities; regardless of their social, economic, or physical abilities. Equity acknowledges a variety of users and creates policy that allows for transit disadvantaged users to participate. This paper will analyze Warsaw and Toronto and examine if their respective transit planning policy, methods, and physical networks serve their residents equitably. Two projects will be specifically examined: the Eglinton Crosstown from Oakwood to Mount Dennis and the Metro in Warsaw’s Praga-Połnoc neighbourhood; within the scope of transport justice and transit equity.