Abstract
Transportation affordability is a major concern for low-income people and households across the United States. While car ownership rates remain relatively high, the associated costs — insurance, gas, and repairs — can place
a significant financial burden on low-income households. Even for those who own a vehicle, these costs can limit how often they use it. As a result, in Los Angeles, many low-income residents rely heavily on public transit or active transportation options. In fact, 69% of Metro bus riders report annual
household incomes below $25,000. Despite this, there is no federal mandate to financially support the mobility needs of low-income people — besides fare discounts for seniors and individuals with disabilities. In this context, Los Angeles has begun piloting a new, more ambitious mobility approach. Since 2023, the L.A. Mobility Wallet pilot — developed in partnership between Metro and the Los Angeles Department of Transportation — has sought to expand transportation access for low-income residents. Through the pilot, 1,000 participants in South Los Angeles received $150 per month for one year on a prepaid debit card to cover shared mobility services, including transit fare, bikeshare, e-scooters, ride-hail services, regional transportation (e.g., Amtrak, Greyhound), and purchases at local bike shops. The first phase of this pilot concluded in April 2024. The flexibility of a mobility wallet marks a departure from how public transit agencies traditionally assist low-income riders. This brief compares L.A.’s two primary mobility assistance programs: the Mobility Wallet pilot and Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy (LIFE), launched in 2019, which provides 20 free transit rides per month.
