Private Donations for Public Transit: The Equity Implications of Detroit’s Public–Private Streetcar

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2020

Subject Area

place - north america, place - urban, mode - tram/light rail, mode - mass transit, policy - equity

Keywords

mass transit, equity, streetcars, public–private partnerships

Abstract

Transportation agencies are increasingly seeking private sector funding, but resulting deals have implications beyond specific projects. We analyze the broader regional and equity impacts of private funding by examining Detroit’s donation-funded streetcar. Despite potential negative consequences for transit-dependent populations, the longer-term political will forged through streetcar planning has a contingent possibility to enhance regional transit. In addition to donations, the streetcar relies on public sector funds, but we found limited public influence to ensure collective transportation benefits. A federal-level actor did mandate that a regional transit agency form, but more systematic public action is needed.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by SAGE, copyright remains with them.

Comments

Journal of Planning Education and Research

http://jper.sagepub.com

Link to Full Text

Share

COinS