Pratt Center Research

Democratizing Planning

Long Commutes for Low Wages

Maps  |  May 27, 2009

New York's mass transit systems do not serve all New Yorkers equally. Those who earn the least endure the longest commutes, whether they live in East Elmhurst or East Flatbush, Washington Heights or Wakefield. Three-quarters of a million New Yorkers travel more than one hour each way to work. Two-thirds of them earn less than $35,000 a year. By contrast, just 6 percent of these extreme commuters earn more than $75,000 a year. Black New Yorkers have the longest commute times, 25 percent longer than white commuters; Hispanic commuters have rides 12 percent longer.

NYC Residents Earning below $35,000/year with Commutes Longer than One hour

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