TRANSPORTATION JUSTICE IN PLANNING: MEASURING AND MAPPING TRANSPORTATION EQUITY IN OKLAHOMA COUNTY AND OKLAHOMA CITY

Abstract

This study investigates transportation equity in Oklahoma through a multi-scalar, data-driven approach that connects academic theory with local planning practice. The study addresses disparities in mobility and accessibility that disproportionately affect marginalized populations, particularly in auto-dependent areas like Oklahoma County and Oklahoma City. It comprises three components: a systematic literature review, a county-level transportation equity assessment, and a city-level transit gap analysis. The literature review synthesizes 86 studies from 2000 to 2023, highlighting evolving definitions, key equity frameworks, and methodological trends. Findings reveal growing attention to mobility justice, spatial disparities, and the intersection of transportation with health, environmental, and socio-demographic factors. However, recent declines in equity-focused publications suggest a need for renewed focus, especially in light of emerging mobility technologies and climate challenges. The second component applies the Transportation Justice Threshold Index Framework (TJTIF) to evaluate transportation equity across 20 municipalities in Oklahoma County. Using demographic, socioeconomic, land use, and transportation data, the study identifies justice areas such as Arcadia, Valley Brook, and Woodlawn Park, where interventions are most urgently needed. It also flags transitional areas like Nichols Hills and Lake Aluma that may face future equity risks. The final section assesses transit gaps in Oklahoma City by comparing transit demand and supply at the block group level. Using spatial analysis in R and ArcGIS Pro, the study finds a mismatch between high-need areas and existing transit infrastructure, exposing significant transit deserts. The research concludes with policy recommendations to enhance equity through improved public transit coverage, multimodal integration, and inclusive planning strategies. The integrated approach, combining literature review, index-based spatial analysis, and transit desert mapping, offers a replicable framework for addressing transportation justice in similarly auto-centric cities.