Project Summary
Lack of affordable, reliable, and convenient transportation options has a myriad of consequences. It may be difficult or costly to access jobs and basic services, such as groceries, healthcare, and education, and opportunities for recreation, leisure, and community participation may be constrained. As a result, those with less access to transportation may struggle to attain upward economic mobility and can experience a diminished quality of life,
This research evaluated UBM-inspired pilot programs in Oakland and Bakersfield, via pre-and post-pilot surveys and interviews during the programs. Both pilots provided free-fare transportation services (shared micromobility in both cities and public transit services in Oakland) to populations vulnerable to transport poverty (residents of a low-income, minority-majority community in East Oakland and current and former foster youth in Bakersfield). Participants replaced car trips and/or walking with shared mobility and/or public transportation and reported improved access to jobs, food, health care, and social and recreational opportunities. They were able to go more places, more efficiently, and perhaps even enjoy the trip. The services helped participants carry out activities with more comfort and dignity and yielded social and cultural benefits. Lessons learned for program design and administration include the need for: providing some car-based services; clear communications throughout the program; training/support components for new mobility options; troubleshooting operations; and planning for turnover in program staff and fast changes in micromobility services.
