Measuring Social Vulnerability in Transit Deserts of United States Metro Areas

Abstract: This study aimed to identify areas in the US needing both transit improvements and anti-displacement protection. Instead of solely focusing on transit-dependent populations, a new method was developed to consider overall transportation demand among independent residents compared to public transit supply. Transit deserts in metro areas were analyzed using the social vulnerability index. Results showed that approximately 24.6 million people reside in transit deserts across 200 metro areas, with about 19% living below the poverty line. Additionally, residents of transit deserts exhibit, on average, a social vulnerability approximately 21% higher than citywide averages.