A SURGE OF INTEREST

This paper explores the rapidly growing field of transport and mobility justice. While concerns regarding unequal access to transportation have long existed in urban planning, the authors note a recent "surge of interest" driven by global societal shifts, including climate change, neoliberal urban policies, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The research aims to synthesize how different academic strands—ranging from traditional transport geography to critical mobilities studies—have converged to address how power, politics, and social identity shape movement.

The authors categorize the development of this field into three primary theoretical shifts:

• Transport Equity: Traditionally rooted in state-centric, consequentialist ethics (e.g., utilitarianism), this field has shifted toward deontological frameworks. These newer approaches, such as the "maximin" rule, prioritize the accessibility of the most disadvantaged groups. Furthermore, the adoption of the "Capability Approach" has moved the focus from mere physical infrastructure to the actual ability of individuals to convert resources into meaningful activities.
• Transport Justice: This perspective expands beyond simple distribution to include "procedure" and "recognition." It draws on feminist and critical race theories to analyze how governance structures often exclude marginalized voices. It views transport not as a static policy outcome, but as a site of ongoing political struggle and "right to the city" activism.
• Mobility Justice: Represented by scholars like Mimi Sheller, this is the most expansive framework. It connects individual urban movement to global scales, such as border regimes, climate justice, and the long-term impacts of colonialism and capitalism. It advocates for a "commoning" of mobility, moving away from privatized, individualistic transport systems.

A key finding of the paper is the transition from state-centric research—which focuses on government planning and policy—to society-centric research. The latter emphasizes the role of social movements, community organizations, and activists in shaping urban space. The authors argue that while state action is essential, it is often a source of systemic injustice. Consequently, contemporary research increasingly examines how citizen collectives contest or collaborate with official institutions to create more equitable mobility systems.