ENHANCING TRANSPORTATION EQUITY IN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES

Transportation access significantly influences the social, economic, and environmental well-being of communities, however, many rural Indigenous populations in Alberta face substantial barriers that limit their mobility and access to essential services such as healthcare and education. This project aims to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve public transportation access for these underserved communities by leveraging GIS. Through the integration of demographic, spatial, and infrastructure data, we will identify key service gaps and propose targeted solutions, including new transit routes and proposed areas for new transportation infrastructure development. Accessibility criteria will focus on public transit availability, proximity to essential services, travel times, and environmental sustainability. The project outcomes include an interactive ArcGIS StoryMap for visualizing findings, along with a comprehensive report detailing the methodology and actionable strategies. By addressing the operational and infrastructural challenges faced by rural and Indigenous communities, this project seeks to foster equity, reduce social isolation, and improve the quality of life for rural and Indigenous populations in Alberta.