Photo credit: Joe Biden / Flickr

The country’s transportation systems will be getting a facelift thanks to President Joe Biden’s infrastructure bill. Federal and state officials have already begun to look at priority projects that have been delayed for years due to funding cuts. Many Latinos — 27% — rely heavily on public transportation. Advocates say this new funding will address many of the major transportation challenges Latinos currently face

Research shows that communities that live in walkable, bikeable or transit-oriented areas have increased employment rates and physical activity. These communities also show signs of  decreased weight gain, traffic injuries, poverty and air pollution exposure.

The Latino migration to rural America has led to housing and transportation inequities. On average, Latinos face longer commute times than white Americans. Latinos are also more likely to report bus routes that are unreliable, inaccessible, or even unsafe.

Photo credit: Trekphiler/ Wikimedia Commons

Advocates say that improving public transportation can improve quality of life for Latinos across the country.

“People have no other access to get to and from jobs, which puts food on the tables. You start talking to people in the healthcare world, and they’re seeing decreasing numbers of people come in for their medical appointments,” said Minerva Perez, leader of Organización Latino-Americana of Eastern Long Island.

A lack of access to reliable public transportation also means Latinos often don’t have access to green spaces, such as parks. Only 19% of Latino children have access to parks close to their neighborhoods, compared to 62% of white children.

Research shows that access to green spaces improves physical health and mental well-being. Green spaces are also shown to often be cultural and social hubs that can increase a sense of belonging.

Photo credit: Tony Webster / Flickr

“Community leaders should prioritize investment in affordable housing, public transit, and green spaces in neighborhoods where the highest proportions of Latinos and low-income individuals reside,” said Dr. Amelie G. Ramirez, lead author of the research review and director of Salud America!.

The infrastructure bill will invest $66 billion in Amtrak rails, as well as $2 billion for expanding transportation in rural and underserved areas. Some of the priority transportation projects include repairs to aging bridges, and building dozens of new or extended rail lines.

“It is critical to address these underlying social, economic, and environmental factors that contribute to health than to address the health disparities directly if we are to hope for long-term changes in Latino health and well-being,” Ramirez said.

Author

Steph Amaya Mora (she/her/hers) is the Arizona Digital Partner Organizer, based in Phoenix, Arizona. She's Mexican and Salvadoran-American journalist who has volunteered and helped organize with local groups throughout her professional career. She has experience writing stories and producing podcasts for Ability360, the Center for Independent Living in Phoenix, servicing people with disabilities and promoting the center. She has a bachelors in Journalism and Mass Communication from Arizona State University.