Project Summary
Tonight, over 150,000 people in California will be experiencing homelessness (USICH, 2019). Lacking other options, many turn to transit vehicles, stops, and stations for shelter. Many also use transit to reach a range of destinations—some shared with other riders (such as workplaces), others particularly relevant for the unhoused (such as shelters). Because of the pandemic, studying these vulnerable travelers is more vital than ever. With the scale of the homelessness crisis often surpassing the capacities of existing safety nets, transit operators face these pressing issues themselves and must implement measures from realms beyond transportation to address them.
This study proposes to investigate the intersection of transit and homelessness in California and document the contours and effects of these issues on homeless individuals, other transit riders, and transit agencies. To do so, we will analyze data on transit operations and homelessness and conduct case studies of specific transit agencies and homeless service providers, from which other agencies can learn. From these findings, we will produce an actionable set of best practices for transit staff and other stakeholders, drawn from across the state and the nation, to help them best play their role in alleviating the state’s homelessness crisis.
