An essay on the book, Rights in Transit, by Kafui Attoh. Attoh, a professor at the City University of New York. In his book he argues that people should have a "right to the city" and a "right to tran

Student’s Name

Instructor’s Name

Course

Date

The “Right to City” and “Right to Transit.”

Introduction

Kafui Attoh's argument in his book, Rights in Transit, is that people should have a right to the city and a right to transit. He documents the difficulty people have getting around cities due to the inadequate and unreliable transportation systems in major cities in the United States. He argues that people who rely on public transit to get to jobs, schools, medical appointments, services, and leisure activities are denied access to all a city offers if the transit system is insufficient, overcrowded, or unsafe. After reading and analyzing the book, I agree with Attoh's argument and believe people should have a right to the city and transit. Public transportation is vital because it lets people get to the parts of a city they need to get ahead and have the same opportunities as those who do not use it. However, mass transit needs to be improved and made more reliable for people to take advantage of the city’s opportunities.

The argument for the “right to the city.”

Attoh argues that people should have the right to access all a city has to offer, regardless of their income level or the location of their residence. He believes the lack of reliable and safe public transportation systems in many cities is a significant barrier to social and economic mobility. He argues that everyone should have the right to use public transit systems to access the city's services, jobs, and leisure activities. He also believes that cities should be designed with public transit as a priority to make it easier for people to access all a city has to offer. Finally, he believes public transportation should be reliable, reasonably priced, and safe to ensure that all citizens can access the resources and opportunities that cities provide.

Attoh argues that the lack of access to reliable and safe public transit systems creates inequality in cities. Without access to public transit, people in lower-income neighborhoods are more likely to be denied access to services, jobs, and other opportunities outside their neighborhoods. This creates a barrier to social and economic mobility, making it more challenging to break the cycle of poverty and inequality. Furthermore, people unable to access public transit are more likely to face difficulties accessing medical care, education, and other essential services. Without the right to the city and a right to transit, people in lower-income neighborhoods may not be able to access the resources they need to live a whole and healthy life.

Attoh believes that the lack of access to reliable and safe public transit systems can significantly impact people's ability to participate fully in the city. Access to public transit is necessary for people in lower-income neighborhoods to access services, jobs, and leisure activities outside their neighborhoods. This makes it more difficult for people to participate in the city's economy and social life. Furthermore, access to public transit is necessary for people in lower-income neighborhoods to access medical care, education, and other essential services. This can lead to various adverse outcomes, including increased poverty, health disparities, and educational inequality. With the right to the city and a right to transit, people in lower-income neighborhoods may be able to participate fully in their city.

The argument for the “right to transit.”

The argument for the “right to transit” is that everyone should have access to reliable, safe, and affordable public transportation. This right is essential for people to be able to access opportunities and services that are necessary for their social and economic well-being. Reliable and safe public transportation is essential for those who cannot afford a car, whether due to economic circumstances or age restrictions. It is also important for those who rely on public transportation for the elderly, disabled, and low-income individuals, and those who are otherwise unable to travel by private vehicle. Furthermore, the right to transit is essential for equitable access to employment and educational opportunities, healthcare services, and leisure activities for all people, regardless of their social and economic standing.

Additionally, the right to transit is important for connecting people to their communities, as well as for reducing emissions from cars and other private vehicles. Public transportation can help reduce traffic congestion, air and noise pollution, and the amount of land needed for parking. By improving public transportation, we can make cities more sustainable, efficient, and accessible for everyone. Ultimately, the right to transit is an essential right which should be upheld. It is necessary for people to be able to access the resources and opportunities they need, and it is also necessary for creating more sustainable and equitable cities.

Critique of Attoh’s position

Attoh's argument that people should have a right to the city and a right to transit is essential, as it highlights the need for reliable, safe, and affordable public transportation systems in our cities. However, making this right work is hard, and more research is needed to figure out how to make transportation easier for everyone. To ensure that everyone can use public transportation, solutions must consider the existing infrastructure, geography, policies, and politics. Furthermore, solutions must consider the economic and social costs of providing reliable, safe, and affordable public transportation to ensure that the right to the city and the right to transit is not cost-prohibitive.

My Position on Kafui Attoh’s Argument

I agree with Kafui Attoh's argument that people should have a right to the city and transit. Access to transportation is essential for people to be able to access all that a city has to offer and to be able to live their lives to the fullest. However, people are denied access to jobs, education, medical care, and other services without reliable and safe public transportation. This can lead to poverty and inequality and exacerbates existing disparities in access to opportunity. In addition, inadequate public transportation systems can harm the environment. With more cars on the road, there is an increase in air and noise pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This can have a devastating effect on the planet and human health.

In addition, Attoh's argument that people should have a right to the city and a right to transit goes beyond the practical and tangible benefits of having reliable public transportation. It is about the right of citizens to access all that a city has to offer, to be able to live their lives and to be able to do it safely and with dignity. Kafui Attoh's book, Rights in Transit, makes a compelling argument that everyone should have a right to access a reliable and safe transit system to take advantage of the opportunities that cities offer. Attoh gives a detailed analysis of the problems by looking at the current state of public transportation in the US and how it affects underserved communities. He also suggests ways to make public transportation more accessible and fair. I agree with Attoh's point that we should prioritize public transportation, so everyone has better access and fairness.

Conclusion

Kafui Attoh's book, Rights in Transit, provides an essential argument for the right to the city and the right to transit. Attoh argues that the current state of transportation systems in major cities in the United States is inadequate and unreliable and denies people access to opportunities and services. He calls for a more equitable and efficient public transit system that would give people the right to access all a city has to offer. The right to transit is inextricably linked to the right to the city, which is the belief that everyone should have the right to access and benefit from the resources, amenities, and opportunities that cities provide. By having a right to transit, citizens are guaranteed the right to have access to a city’s resources, amenities, and opportunities, regardless of their economic or social status.

Throughout the book, Attoh makes the case for a right to transit, arguing that this right is essential for citizens to benefit from a city’s resources, amenities, and opportunities. He points out the inequality that can be created when citizens do not have access to reliable public transportation, and makes the case that a right to transit is essential for creating a more equitable and just society. I agree with Kafui Attoh and believe people should have a right to the city and transit. However, mass transit needs to be improved and made more reliable so people can take advantage of all the opportunities a city offers. In addition, people should be allowed access to progress in their lives due to the unreliable public transportation systems in major cities.

Work cited

Attoh, Kafui Ablode. Rights in Transit: Public Transportation and the Right to the City in California's East Bay. University of Georgia Press, 2019.