Abstract
Punitive responses restrict activities associated with homelessness through policing and can involve “hostile architecture,” such as seat dividers on bus benches. Outreach responses engage with unhoused transit riders to offer them referrals to services, shelter, and housing, often through collaboration with social service providers. These include centralised hubs of services, mobile outreach teams, transportation to shelters, and discounted fares. Proactive interventions include building shelters or housing on transit land and service planning with unhoused travellers in mind. While there are only a few evaluations of these strategies, the literature does indicate a growing awareness that removing unhoused riders from transit systems through punitive strategies addresses the challenge only momentarily, while external partnerships with social service agencies may offer more humane, effective, and sustainable solutions.
