White Paper
Advancing Transportation Equity for Rural Texans
Rural Texans face several specific mobility challenges day-to-day. Faced with fewer mobility
opportunities, further distance between services, and less broadband availability, statewide
transportation is a key player in connecting people and services. Rural residents face challenges in attaining healthcare and is disproportionately experienced by those with disabilities, a difficulty exacerbated by the continuing trend of urbanization in Texas. As newer technology emerges, ensuring proper investments are still made equitably is of increasing importance. These challenges are not only seen in Texas, but nationwide, as rural planning organizations, multi-state cooperatives, and private organizations are all making efforts to tackle these challenges. New solutions have emerged among those who must innovate with limited resources. Continuing the efforts to promote statewide rural information sharing, Texas can ensure that disadvantaged residents can access equal services, enhance wireless connectivity, and unlock other vital services to enable rural residents to achieve parity in the quality of daily living.