University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

16. Abstract

There is very little research on the unmet needs of and transportation alternatives for low-income households in California. A survey of low-income residents at affordable housing complexes in the San Joaquin Valley of California was conducted to explore unmet transportation needs, willingness to use shared mobility services, and the potential to reduce household vehicles and parking spaces. The survey also examined awareness of public financial incentive programs aimed at reducing vehicle emissions in the Valley. The analysis of the survey results suggests the following conclusions: survey respondents successfully marshal their limited transportation resources to travel to activities that are essential to the current or future economic wellbeing of their households; respondents indicate a strong willingness to use ridesourcing and carsharing services located at their affordable housing complex; analysis of the use of respondents’ current vehicles and stated willingness to use ridesourcing and carsharing services suggests some potential to reduce parking in the affordable housing complexes; barriers to paying for carsharing and ridesourcing services include lack of credit cards and bank accounts; carsharing and ridesharing programs in these communities should include a call center with staff who speaks both English and Spanish; and survey respondents lack knowledge about public incentive programs that seek to reduce vehicle emissions in the San Joaquin Valley.