UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies

This project examines commonalities and differences among disadvantaged neighborhoods in mobility and access to opportunities. Our approach is based on the concept of spatial-transportation mismatch (STM), which asserts that spatial distance and poor transportation are potential barriers to opportunities beyond one’s immediate location. The project analyzes variations in transportation resources and accessibility to employment, quality elementary schools, and health care. The study compares two regions in California, one highly urbanized (Los Angeles County) and one more agriculture based (San Joaquin County). This allows us to compare disadvantaged neighborhoods with non-disadvantaged neighborhoods within each region, and to compare disadvantaged neighborhoods in one county versus another. The project uses policy-based definitions of disadvantaged neighborhoods and bivariate tabulations. The project’s empirical findings are partially consistent with the existing literature: residents of disadvantaged neighborhoods suffer from some STM in multiple arenas, especially those in rural areas. The analysis also finds considerable heterogeneity in the magnitude of inaccessibility in the two regions. Residents in disadvantaged San Joaquin tend to fare worse. The diversity of outcomes at the neighborhood level points to the need to be flexible so programs and investments can address the diversity in transportation challenges and investment opportunities of disadvantaged communities.