Transportation equity is an academic concept and research field focused on the just distribution of access to transportation resources and the equitable impact of transportation systems. It investigates how the potential for mobility and connectivity, analogous to the release and distribution of energy from nuclear processes, is accessed and experienced across different social groups. Key characteristics include analyzing disparities in access, burdens, and participation, aiming to ensure that the benefits of transportation infrastructure and services, like the harnessed energy from controlled reactions, are equitably shared and negative impacts are minimized for vulnerable populations.