Transit and Employment Deserts in the Three Urban Northern Kentucky Counties

Abstract

Northern Kentucky’s three main counties contain both employment deserts and transit deserts. An examination of where these areas occur, and where they intersect has numerous public policy implications. For this study, GIS datasets of transit routes and population, along with ZIP code business patterns were collected. A GIS map showing spatial distribution of employment deserts and transit deserts was created. The study shows that while excellent service exists in more populated areas, transit and employment deserts definitely intersect in rural portions of Northern Kentucky. The study’s results will help officials plan future improvement and expansion of the local transit network.