>>1628665 In urban transport, neoliberalism has produced a vicious circle. In unequal and stratified societies, car ownership has become an important a status signifier, and a tool to avoid contact with lower income groups . A focus on cars and driving has led to lower investments in public transport.
Declining public transport quality has driven away passengers, while the utilitarian need for cars (or for private car-sharing services) has become stronger, especially among the financial elites. Governments have rushed to accommodate the travel needs and desires of these elites, ignoring the rest of the population.
This loop stems from a core issue: the withdrawal of the state as an active agent in equalizing access to the city and in providing public services and infrastructure systems.
