Abstract
Universal basic mobility is a growing transportation concept rooted in the belief that everyone should be able to travel to the places they need — and want — to go in ways that best suit their lives and households. Reliable transportation access is essential to quality of life, yet barriers remain, especially for low-income people of color. In 2023, Los Angeles piloted a Mobility Wallet program, providing direct financial support for transportation to low- income travelers. Additional transportation resources may allow participants to expand their travel options, using new travel modes, reaching more destinations and improving their quality of life. This research examined whether and how this occurred, focusing on outcomes for participants during and after the one-year pilot program, drawing on interviews conducted during and after the program.
