University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

Increasing numbers of people experiencing homelessness in California cities have prompted some transit agencies to address the needs of unhoused people and riders more comprehensively in their service plans. Some of these efforts respond to the presence of transit riders who are visibly homeless and seek shelter on transit vehicles, at transit stops, and on other agency property. Many people experiencing homelessness, however, are also active users of public transit, relying on buses and trains to access services, get to work, visit family, and more. Public transit is especially critical for those working to exit homelessness who do not have access to a personal vehicle.