In the United States, suburban flight has left the urban poor concentrated in city centers far from jobs, stores, and entertainment services that have relocated to the periphery as well. Unable to afford cars, many poorer dwellers in the city center must rely on public transportation that rarely adequately serves the suburbs. In cities with large segments of low-income groups in squatter settlements at the periphery of the urban area, similar forms of isolation and inaccessibility exist because opportunities for employment, advanced education, recreation, and shopping are often located in wealthier areas in the city center. In Santiago, Chile, the poorest residents tend to live on the urban periphery. The majority of their trips are over long distances, and they must travel by relatively inconvenient modes, either by public transportation or on foot.
Similar disparities exist in many Asian and African cities.
Thus, access to affordable transportation services can greatly improve the welfare of many poor families.