What does this score mean?

A score of 100 represents racial equity, meaning there are no racial disparities in the outcomes between black and white populations. The lower the Equity Score, the greater the disparity.

For Transit Frequency, a score of 100 – a score reflecting racial equity – would mean majority-black and majority-white census tracts receive equal frequency of service. It is important to note that for this indicator, equity is not our only goal; we also want to improve outcomes for all.

WHAT DOES THIS ANALYSIS MEAN?

Majority-white and majority-black census tracts have a similar frequency of service. In St. Clair County, transit services majority-black census tracts 627,800 times per year, and majority-white census tracts 608,975 times per year. In St. Louis County, majority-black census tracts are serviced by transit 426,962 times per year, while majority-white census tracts are serviced 234,856 times per year.

On an annual basis, majority-white census tracts in the City of St. Louis receive transit service 266,641 times per year, while majority-black census tracts receive transit service 260,419 times per year. If transit in the City of St. Louis were more equitable, there would have been 6,222 more transit trips in each majority-black census tract in 2018.

Why Does Transit Frequency Matter?

The Ferguson Commission states, “Public transit is a key to expanding opportunity for all St. Louisans. A safe, reliable, affordable, and efficient public transportation system can increase access to health care, education, and employment.” Transit Frequency is a key component of transit reliability. Frequency of service matters a great deal to those who rely on public transit to get to work and for households without cars. While the Bi-State Development Agency currently provides equitable levels of service between majority-black and majority-white areas, there is greater demand and use for public transit in majority-black census tracts.

According to the 2016 American Community Survey, there are 14,000 residents of the City of St. Louis that work but whose household does not have access to a vehicle. However, workers who live in majority-black census tracts are three times more likely than workers in majority-white census tracts to not have a vehicle in their household. Given that, it should be no surprise that workers in majority-black census tracts are four times more likely than workers in majority-white census tracts to take public transit. All in all, workers who live in majority-black census tracts make up 60% of the estimated 14,400 city residents who commute via public transit. Similarly, demand for public transit disaggregated by race should be examined in St. Charles, St. Clair, and St. Louis Counties.

Which Calls to Action from the Ferguson Commission’s report are linked with this indicator?

Transportation is a signature priority of the Ferguson Commission to address economic inequality. The Ferguson Commission’s calls to action related to public transit include:

• Identify Priority Transportation Projects for the St. Louis Region
• Develop a State Supported Funding Plan for Public Transit
• Promote Use of Public Transit
• Create a Discounted Youth Transit Pass

Questions for Further Investigation:

• How can we increase Transit Frequency?
• What can St. Louis do to reduce racial disparities in Transit Frequency?
• What initiatives are currently underway to reduce racial disparities in Transit Frequency?

Transit Frequency Data