The trade-off between equity and quality in public transportation : lessons from a Brazilian case study

Abstract

This study explores the complex relationship between equity and quality in public transportation, analyzing the evolution of Belo Horizonte’s bus system from 2010 to 2023. Research evaluates service distribution and quality changes using metrics such as the Gini index, Lorenz curve, Theil index, and Palma ratio, alongside service frequency, crowding, and user satisfaction data. The findings reveal improved equity, evidenced by a reduction in service disparities and a decrease in all indices. However, these gains were accompanied by a significant decline in system quality, highlighting a disconnect between equitable resource distribution and service efficiency. This study underscores the need for transportation policies that balance equity with quality improvements to ensure sustainable urban mobility. It calls for integrated metrics and robust data analyses to guide planning efforts, aligning equity objectives with enhanced user satisfaction and system performance.