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Center for Advancing Research in Transportation Emissions, Energy, and Health (CARTEEH)

A USDOT University Transportation Center

Improved Mental Well-Being

Public transport interventions can positively impact mental health in two significant ways: alleviating traffic and reducing commuting times. Improved mental health well-being indicates the effectiveness of public transportation as a strategy to improve health by ensuring that the lack of transit facilities is not the cause of decreased mental health status. This will motivate others with mental health impairments to utilize the available public transportation, and therefore have access to health care centers and meet their medical appointments.1

This indicator helps determine the effectiveness of the following objectives

  • Less Contamination
  • Less Emissions
  • Less Traffic Noise
  • Connectivity and Inclusion
  • Healthy Destinations
  • Less Traffic Violence
  • Active Transportation
  • Green Space

Data Collection

Data can be collated from surveys and questionnaires that ask people about their mental health. Data from clinical trials, observational studies, and other studies that measure changes in mental health over time can look at the relationship between different factors and mental health outcomes.2

Examples

Public Transportation In The US: A Driver Of Health And Equity

Heaps et al. (2021) stated that individuals with improved mental health status are an indication of expanded public transportation use. He clarified that by encouraging improved air quality, raising levels of physical activity, reducing injuries from auto accidents, and enhancing mental health, new or expanded public transportation alternatives may boost access to and usage of transit and improve health outcomes. Improving neighborhoods that do not have equitable access to these basic daily requirements with more job opportunities and access to public transportation may also help minimize health inequalities and promote health equity.

https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hpb20210630.810356/

1. Kwan, S.C., Hashim, J.H. Public transport and health. InAdvances in Transportation and Health 2020 Jan 1 (pp. 149-173). Elsevier.
2. Government of Canada, Canada S. Canadian Community Health Survey - Mental Health (CCHS) [Internet]. Statcan.gc.ca. 2011 [cited 2022 Aug 16]. Available from: https://www23.statcan.gc.ca/imdb/p2SV.pl?Function=getSurvey&Id=119789