Transportation issues can affect a person's access to health care services. These issues may result in missed or delayed health care appointments, increased health expenditures and overall poorer health outcomes.

Lack of transportation is a critical social and economic issue because it serves as a primary barrier to social mobility and essential services. Without reliable access to transit, individuals are often "locked out" of the labor market, as they cannot reach jobs that are located outside their immediate walking distance. This creates a cycle of poverty known as "transportation insecurity." Furthermore, a lack of transportation is a major determinant of health; it prevents people from reaching medical appointments, pharmacies, and grocery stores with fresh produce, leading to "food deserts" and poorer long-term health outcomes. In 2026, urban planners also highlight the "isolation" factor, where the elderly or disabled without transit access suffer from increased loneliness and mental health challenges. Education is also impacted, as students in under-served areas may struggle with attendance or participating in extracurricular activities. Ultimately, transportation is the "connective tissue" of a functioning society; when it is missing, the gaps in equity, employment, and public health widen significantly, making it a central focus for modern infrastructure and social justice policy.