The objectives of Transport Equity and Urban Mobility are threefold: to introduce you to the structural drivers of inequality related to spatial and social mobilities in cities of the Global South; to examine the relationships between formal and informal urban and transport development in cities of the Global South; and to explore the implications for a more socially just and integrated urban transport planning.

In this module, we will focus on the relationships between social identity, transport and planning in the context of urban development in the Global South. Reflecting on the intersecting social relations of class, gender, ethnicity, religion, race, age and physical/mental ability in processes of urban development, we examine how spatial and social mobilities are deeply intertwined in the reproduction of both spatial and social inequalities in cities. We critique and explore the implications for transport planning and its interaction with other kinds of planning, and the relationships between the state, civil society and private sector in the provision of transport for more socially just cities.


In Part 1 of the module (Positions between Theory and Practice, sessions 1-4) we will examine the different theoretical and conceptual understandings of transport equity and urban mobility, illustrated where relevant in a selection of urban practices. Sessions will address: transport, development and the reproduction of inequality in cities; mapping approaches to inequality in urban transport planning; environmental justice and transport systems; the fallacy of travel choice.

In Part 2 of the module (Critical Perspectives on Urban Transport Planning and Collective Action, sessions 5- 9), we will examine different methods and instruments used by transport planning, critically examining their implications for transport equity. Sessions will examine the following topics: reviewing the methodology repertoire of transport planning; transit-oriented development (TOD) and socio-environmentally just cities; how smart are smart cities? the formal-informal continuum of urban transport provision and use; transport planning, insurgent practice and political participation.

The module will comprise a mix of lectures, together with seminar discussions, group activities and student presentations. Lectures will define and discuss basic concepts and the debates around them. You will have an opportunity to explore and present concepts and methodologies related to the module, and their application in practice, based on either your own experience or on selected cases. Working in small groups, you will also explore and critically assess the application of selected transport methods and tools. The coursework is an individual essay.

By the end of this module, you will have

Understood the relationships between social relations (of class, gender, ethnicity, race, religion, age and physical/mental abilities), urban development, and urban mobilities.Understood the relationship between formality and informality in urban and transport processes in cities of the Global South

Critically examined the role of transport planning and its methodologies in the reproduction of inequalities in social and spatial mobilities

Explored the relationships between organisations in the state, civil society and the private sector in delivering more social just transport planning