Transportation Needs in Daily Life: Using Human Stories to Shape Regional Transportation Planning and Policy in the Minneapolis–St. Paul Metro Area

Abstract

Transportation planning at the regional level is rooted in data and modeling using revealed preference data about the trips people are presently making. However, revealed preference data cannot tell us about the types of trips people are unable to make and the impact those missing trips—such as missed medical appointments, lost job opportunities, deferred educational pursuits, and frayed social networks—have on their lives. Further, quantitative and survey data cannot robustly explain the underlying values, beliefs, preferences, and constraints that influence people’s travel decisions. This paper presents the background, methodology, results, and planning/policy implications from a regionwide qualitative study with special emphasis on including disadvantaged and hard-to-reach populations. Key findings emphasized how important safety, security, comfort, and community connection are for people’s daily travel. Participants shared stories about experiencing violence and discrimination while trying to reach their destination by any mode, but especially via public transit. People who do not have reliable transportation patch together fragile webs of backup options and suffer when these networks break down. Recommendations range from simple winter maintenance to using inclusive and dignified language to describe transportation disadvantage. We conclude with recommendations for agencies to implement both the methods and results from this study.