Another in our series of featuring student research that might otherwise sit on a library shelf.
This project is from Vanessa Wong RPP – BES, M.Urb Candidate:
This study aims to explain how low-income families in Vancouver and Burnaby accommodate their transportation costs and transportation option(s) with limited financial resources.To answer the above question, a total of four social housing sites in Vancouver and Burnaby were selected for further study. Two sites with poor bus access were selected and two sites with good bus access were selected. Within those 4 sites, 12 families were interviewed. This study explores how low-income families choose their transportation mode(s) given their limited incomes and social housing locations.The findings indicate that the built environment, work and non-work destinations, public transit accessibility and frequency, and, family structure influence a household’s travel behaviours. The findings in this study warrant further research with regards to parking at social housing sites and the transportation behaviours of all social housing residents.
A few things that jumped out for me:
The social housing sector in Vancouver and Burnaby remains unaware and disconnected from the transportation concerns and experiences of its residents. When asked, many social housing providers had never even considered the links between housing and transit for families.
Despite the efforts of transportation authorities and advocates who recommend the benefits of public transportation, a stigma about public transit still exists. For some, this stigma was so strong; they willingly relinquished their limited disposable income and directed it to their cars.
Or perhaps there is a lack of understanding about financial management and the total costs of maintaining a car (insurance, maintenance, and gas) and the savings which can be incurred through public transit.
Public transit maps and schedules require some literacy (the ability to read maps, understand English). New residents may feel intimidated by the information or lack the means to access this information (internet, computer, smartphone, literate in English).
Riders who displayed poor manners and/or were unaware of public transit etiquette was also another frequently cited reason that took away the enjoyment of the transit experience.
