A Social Equity Analysis of Swedish and Scottish National Transport Policy

Abstract

The topic of social equity in transport planning has been dealt with in particular by authors such as Martens (2012) and Martens and Golob (2012) using a social justice based approach. However, such an approach, whilst valuable and analytically rigorous (based as it is on accessibility modelling), does not consider a wide range of possible other social impacts of transport, as set out in a framework first put forward by Geurs et al (2009). This paper uses Geurs’ analytical framework to consider two empirical case studies: the National Transport Strategy for Scotland, adopted in January 2016, together with associated national level spending plans; and Sweden’s 2014-2025 National Transport Plan. The paper will first summarise the contents of each document before analysing them in relation to the categories of social impact that Geurs (2009) identify, and assessing how in relation to each category of impact various social groups will benefit or disbenefit. This analysis will then indicate the degree to which the two national plans/strategies are working towards, or away from, social equity in their distributional impacts.