ASSESSING THE ‘BLACK BOX’ OF TRANSPORTATION MODELING: MAKING EVERYDAY TRAVEL EXPERIENCE MATTER
Abstract
The black-boxing of contested knowledge into a transportation model is a process of establishing validity, thus dominance, over issues such as determining future transportation needs. Considering that the use of modeling and public participation are two of the most fundamental elements in long-term regional transportation planning, the black-boxing of issues into the transport model presents challenges for inclusion of public input. This dissertation discusses how the transportation modeling process is a discursive practice--wherein its assumptions produce outcomes--as shown in the disparity in participants' travel experiences. Understanding the transportation modeling process as a discursive practice, and identifying resistances to disciplinary power in everyday practices, provide potential praxis for inclusive transportation planning process and outcomes. Public outreach and engagement efforts can focus more on making everyday travel experiences matter rather than insisting on public meetings. Additionally, alternative data collection method can be used in the co-production of knowledge about future transport needs rather than inhibit meaningful participation.