The history of systemic racism has left a lasting mark on transportation systems in many places, influencing who gets to travel comfortably and safely, and who doesn’t. This discrimination can be seen in the way transportation infrastructure has been developed, the policies that have shaped it, and the ongoing disparities in access and quality.

In the past, systemic racism influenced decisions about where to build roads, railways, and public transit systems. For example, in many American cities, highways were intentionally routed through minority neighborhoods. In Washington, segments of I-90 built in the 1950s and 60s displaced hundreds of residents, including a flourishing Black community in the East Central neighborhood of Spokane, and divided neighborhoods in ways that are still visible today. Another example is State Route 99, a 1959 highway that cut Seattle’s South Park neighborhood in half.

Another way that systemic racism has shaped transportation is underfunding public transit systems in minority neighborhoods, leading to fewer services and lower quality. This means that people in these areas face longer wait times, overcrowded buses, and less reliable service. In contrast, wealthier and predominantly white neighborhoods often enjoy well-maintained and frequent transit options. This limits opportunities for people living in underserved areas, affecting their ability to access jobs, education, and other critical services like healthcare and childcare.

Another aspect of systemic racism in transportation is the way policies and practices have historically marginalized certain groups. Redlining, the practice of denying loans or insurance to people in certain neighborhoods, has made it difficult for many Black and minority families to own their own cars, houses, and businesses. Without access to their own mode of private transportation, these individuals are more reliant on public transit systems. This lack of access over decades has denied these communities in creating their own generational wealth. Today, this still continues to trap people in a cycle of poverty, making it harder to escape economic hardship.

Racial profiling and discriminatory practices also play a role in how transportation impacts different communities. This can create an environment of fear and mistrust, discouraging people from using public transit or feeling safe while traveling. These historical injustices have broad social and economic implications. Poor transportation options can limit people’s ability to find and maintain employment, access quality education, and take advantage of resources in their communities. This perpetuates cycles of inequality and makes it harder for marginalized groups to improve their circumstances.

Moving Forward

Today, there is a growing awareness of these issues and a push toward addressing them. Efforts are being made to improve public transit infrastructure in underserved areas and to ensure that transportation policies are more equitable. However, there is still much work to be done to correct the disparities that have been ingrained over decades. With roads deteriorating over time and cities having to restructure the location of highways all across the country, we can only hope that there is some effort put into correcting past history.

The history of systemic racism has profoundly shaped transportation systems; understanding this history is essential for addressing current inequalities and working towards a more equitable transportation system. By acknowledging past wrongs and actively working to rectify them, we can build transportation networks that better serve all communities and promote greater social and economic mobility.