Road to Liberation: Transportation, Racism, and the Paradox of Freedom in The United States

This thesis, "Road to Liberation: Transportation, Racism, and the Paradox of Freedom in the United States," investigates the historical and contemporary intersections of transportation policies and racial inequalities in the U.S. Using a combination of historical analysis, literature review and a novel experimental survey, the study explores how transportation infrastructure and policies have both mirrored and perpetuated systemic racism. Through the lens of historical events, such as the construction of railroads and highways, and the contemporary experiences of marginalized communities, the research elucidates the deep-seated racial biases influencing White Americans' perceptions of public transportation. The survey component reveals that implicit racial biases significantly affect evaluations of public transportation's cleanliness, safety, and comfort, thereby shaping policy support. The findings underscore the need for more equitable transportation policies and highlight the role of racial attitudes in sustaining transportation disparities. This thesis contributes to the broader discourse on transportation equity by bridging historical context with present-day implications, offering policy recommendations to foster inclusivity and justice in urban planning and transportation systems.