Leveraging RoutΣ.i Social to Map Disadvantaged Communities

Applying a multi-criteria equity lens

The RoutΣ.i Social tool uses a multi-criteria analysis to categorize and normalize socio-economic indicators. This methodology builds upon the Canadian Index of Multiple Deprivation, a geographically based index produced by Statistics Canada to measure inequalities in social well-being. The tool analyzes 18 distinct indicators grouped into four dimensions of deprivation.

• Economic dependency: reliance on the workforce or external income sources, capturing variables such as unemployment rates and the concentration of seniors.
• Ethno-cultural composition: the community make-up of immigrant populations and visible minority populations.
• Residential instability: the tendency of neighbourhood inhabitants to fluctuate over time.
• Situational vulnerability: variations in socio-demographic conditions in the areas of housing and education.

The variables are weighted per dimension on a scale of zero to one to produce a final route electrification priority score. This score determines which transit routes to prioritize for electrification to maximize social benefits.

Prioritizing Indigenous communities

The RoutΣ.i Social tool incorporates Indigenous population percentage as one of its core metrics, helping ensure transit electrification planning prioritizes equitable access to sustainable transportation. Many Indigenous communities face historical and systemic barriers to accessing reliable public transit. Deploying zero emissions buses within these communities reduces air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, contributing directly to improved environmental health and aligning with the core principles of environmental justice and Indigenous rights.

Empowering communities through inclusive planning

Including Indigenous populations in transit electrification planning supports inclusive community engagement. Transit agencies must develop zero emissions bus deployment strategies collaboratively with Indigenous stakeholders to respect their traditional territories and cultural practices. Centralized information platforms like TransitXcell aim to empower these communities by bridging the gap between technical complexity and community understanding.

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