Private Donations for Public Transit: The Equity Implications of Detroit's Public–Private Streetcar. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lowe, Kate; Grengs, Joe
• Is Part Of: Journal of planning education and research. Volume 40:Number 3(2020:Autumn)
• Page Start: 289
• Page End: 303
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: mass transit -- equity -- streetcars -- public–private partnerships; Regional planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; City planning -- Study and teaching -- United States -- Periodicals; 307.12
• DOI: 10.1177/0739456X18761237
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0739-456X

Abstract

Transportation agencies are increasingly seeking private sector funding, but resulting deals have implications beyond specific projects. We analyze the broader regional and equity impacts of private funding by examining Detroit's donation-funded streetcar. Despite potential negative consequences for transit-dependent populations, the longer-term political will forged through streetcar planning has a contingent possibility to enhance regional transit. In addition to donations, the streetcar relies on public sector funds, but we found limited public influence to ensure collective transportation benefits. A federal-level actor did mandate that a regional transit agency form, but more systematic public action is needed.