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The conceptual mismatch: A qualitative analysis of transportation costs and stressors for low-income adults

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  • Lowe, Kate
  • Mosby, Kim

Abstract

Research on transportation and low-income groups has often focused on job accessibility and modeled travel times. Such models disconnect transportation from the more comprehensive social goal of enhancing well-being and fail to account for the full stress and time costs that low-income populations may face. To examine the actual, lived experiences of low-income adults, we conducted 52 interviews in two medium-sized metropolitan areas. Results show that low-income travelers have time costs beyond what is modeled, that low-income populations face stressors, like uncertain and unstable transportation, and that the dynamics of ride giving may strain social relations. In conclusion, we argue that placing transportation within the life experiences of low-income adults is critical for understanding how transportation could support or undermine health and well-being.

Suggested Citation

  • Lowe, Kate & Mosby, Kim, 2016. "The conceptual mismatch: A qualitative analysis of transportation costs and stressors for low-income adults," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 49(C), pages 1-8.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:trapol:v:49:y:2016:i:c:p:1-8
    DOI: 10.1016/j.tranpol.2016.03.009
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Heli Lu & Guifang Liu & Changhong Miao & Chuanrong Zhang & Yaoping Cui & Jincai Zhao, 2018. "Spatial Pattern of Residential Carbon Dioxide Emissions in a Rapidly Urbanizing Chinese City and Its Mismatch Effect," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-19, March.
    3. Ralph, Kelcie & Morris, Eric A. & Kwon, Jaekyeong, 2022. "Disability, access to out-of-home activities, and subjective well-being," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 163(C), pages 209-227.
    4. Belton Chevallier, Leslie & Motte-Baumvol, Benjamin & Fol, Sylvie & Jouffe, Yves, 2018. "Coping with the costs of car dependency: A system of expedients used by low-income households on the outskirts of Dijon and Paris," Transport Policy, Elsevier, vol. 65(C), pages 79-88.
    5. Ward, Chandra & Walsh, Darrell, 2023. "“I just don't go nowhere:” How transportation disadvantage reinforces social exclusion," Journal of Transport Geography, Elsevier, vol. 110(C).

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