2025 Theses Master's

Transit Equity for Shift Workers in Hunts Point, NYC: Evaluating Mobility Barriers and Policy Solutions

Kartika, Rita

This thesis examines transit equity challenges faced by shift workers at the Hunts Point Food Distribution Center (HPFDC), one of New York City’s largest industrial employment hubs. Through surveys with workers and interviews with institutional stakeholders from the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and Department of City Planning (DCP), the study explores how limited off-peak transit service, inadequate pedestrian infrastructure, and affordability constraints shape the commuting experiences of workers in this essential sector.

Findings reveal a mismatch between existing transportation systems—often designed for peak-hour, white-collar commuters—and the realities of shift-based, low-income workers. While regional infrastructure investments like the upcoming Metro-North station are framed as equity-oriented solutions, the research finds they may bypass current workers unless complemented by localized improvements such as last-mile connectivity, nighttime bus frequency, and inclusive workforce engagement. The thesis also proposes the creation of a Mobility Management Center to support coordinated, worker-centered transit planning.

Ultimately, this study expands the discourse on transit equity by centering off-peak labor, advocating for multi-scalar mobility planning, and emphasizing the need to integrate the voices of workers into infrastructure and policy decisions.