Comparing the application of different justice theories in equity analysis of transit projects: A case study of the Lisbon Metro Circular Line

Abstract

Although issues of equity and accessibility have already been addressed in transportation, especially with regard to the distribution of costs and benefits, there is no consensus on which concept and metric of fairness would be most appropriate for the evaluation of transportation infrastructure proposals. Normally, a utilitarian perspective is adopted, where issues of unequal distribution of costs and benefits are not the main focus. This paper aims to incorporate the assumptions of other justice theories, namely egalitarianism, communitarianism, and Capability Approach (CA), into the equity assessment of transportation infrastructures, and by doing so, pay closer attention to those who are less advantaged or more open to social exclusion. These theories are critically reviewed considering their contribution to the assessment of equity in terms of transportation infrastructure accessibility impacts. Based on the reviewed theories, accessibility indicators are built and used to assess the equity impacts of the Lisbon Metro expansion project. The findings support the importance of adding other justice perspectives to assessing transportation projects. The CA and Maximax support a need to establish minimum or acceptable distribution standards of accessibility. However, the results from the CA are strongly dependent on the assumptions as to the maximum acceptable travel times.