Oforiwaa Pee Agyei-Boakye Examines How Cities Can Use Transit to Address Spatial Injustice

Growing up in a rapidly urbanizing area and witnessing how inadequate transportation infrastructure shaped daily life for marginalized communities inspired graduate student Oforiwaa Pee Agyei-Boakye to explore the intersection of  geography, mobility and justice. Now, as a PhD candidate at the University of Minnesota, she studies how transportation and infrastructure systems  can reshape spatial access in Southern African cities, expanding  opportunities for employment, education, and healthcare.

What do you study and how did you become interested in it?

I study the impact of  transportation investments on spatial access and social equity in urban areas of Southern Africa. My research examines how transit, like bus rapid transit (BRT) systems, can change the way people move through cities, affecting their access to opportunities like jobs, education, and healthcare. To those outside my field, I explain that my work is about understanding how transportation investments/interventions shape lives and communities. For instance, I might share a statistic about how improved transit options can significantly reduce commute times for low-income populations, or tell a story about how a new transit line transformed a previously underserved neighborhood.

My interest in this field stems from a lifelong curiosity about how cities work and a deep commitment to social justice. Growing up in a rapidly urbanizing area, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that poor transportation infrastructure can create, particularly for marginalized communities and how the limited transport options reinforced inequality. During my masters degree studies, I worked on a project mapping access to public services in underdeveloped areas. That experience revealed the power of spatial data to uncover patterns of urban exclusion and cemented my commitment to research that combines geography, urban development, and social impact. From there, focusing on sustainable transportation felt natural as it sits at the crossroads of my interests.

What brought you to the University of Minnesota?

I chose the University of Minnesota because of its strong reputation in geography, public policy, urban studies and transportation research as well as its emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration. The opportunity to work within the College of Liberal Arts (CLA), known for its interdisciplinary approach, was particularly appealing as it aligned with my scholarly goals. I was also drawn to the opportunity to work with faculty leading research on Africa, transportation geography, and urban development, whose work I had followed closely during my earlier studies. 

The availability of cutting-edge resources, such as the university's Geographic Information Science (GIS) facilities, and the supportive academic community within my program made UMN the ideal place to pursue my PhD. The supportive and intellectually vibrant community at UMN continues to challenge and inspire me to pursue rigorous, spatially-relevant work.

What questions and ideas are you most interested in exploring right now? 

I am currently examining  how transportation investments reshape spatial dynamics and accessibility for urban residents in Southern Africa. At the heart of my work is the question of how targeted transportation improvements reduce spatial inequities and expand access to essential services for underserved populations. I am interested in uncovering empirical evidence of how these systems influence people’s mobility choices, job access, and social inclusion.   

Through my research, I aim to provide actionable insights that can guide policymakers in helping cities design transport systems that promote both efficiency and equity. Ultimately, I hope my research contributes to the creation of inclusive, sustainable urban futures in the Global South and beyond.

Tell us about a current or recent project you've been working on

I am currently working on a PhD dissertation research project focused on evaluating the impact of Johannesburg’s Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in Johannesburg, South Africa. This dissertation is unique in its focus, context, and methods. While much of the existing research on sustainable transportation comes from the Global North or Latin America, this study brings much-needed attention to African urban realities, where historical inequality, spatial segregation, and limited mobility options continue to shape daily life. 

This project is one of the first studies in Africa to use detailed spatial data and causal analysis to understand how public transport investments affect people’s mobility. It utilizes a spatial difference-in-difference approach, where I assess how the rollout of the Rea Vaya BRT system has influenced travel patterns across the city. By combining maps of the bus rapid transit (BRT) routes, household travel survey data, travel zones, and interviews my research shows where and for whom the new transit system makes a real difference. 

The goal is to provide clear, evidence-based insights that researchers, city planners and policymakers can use to design transport systems that connect more people to jobs, schools, and healthcare. In doing so, the project highlights how better transportation is not just about moving people efficiently, it's about building fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable cities.

Have you received any notable awards or financial support?

At the University of Minnesota, I am an Interdisciplinary Center for the Study of Global Change (ICGC) Fellow and a recipient of the MnDRIVE Fellowship. I was also honored with the Sharon Doherty Leadership Award from the University’s Women’s Center, recognizing my commitment to advancing gender equity and inclusive leadership.

Beyond the university, I have been privileged to receive several prestigious external fellowships and grants that have supported my research and professional development. These include the Society of Women Geographers (SWG) Pruitt Fellowship, American Association of University Women (AAUW) Fellowship, and the Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) International Fellowship. I have also been awarded other scholarships and grants from the American Public Transportation Association Foundation (APTF), Women in Transportation Seminar (WTS), the American Association of Geographers Transport Specialty Travel Award, Intelligent Transport System (ITS) MN, American Planning Association (APA), International Facility Management Association (IFMA), Transport Association of Canada (TAC) Foundation, Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO), American Bus Association Foundation, Hawkinson Foundation, and the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. 

Collectively, these awards have enabled me to conduct fieldwork, present my research on sustainable transportation and engage with interdisciplinary networks dedicated to transport equity, urban resilience, and sustainable development.

This story was written by Bayleigh Bergner, an undergraduate student in CLA.