University of California Institute of Transportation Studies

A lack of reliable and affordable transportation options exacerbates socioeconomic inequities for low-income individuals, especially people of color. Universal basic mobility (UBM) programs are a new approach to alleviating financial barriers to travel. These programs provideindividuals with funds to pay for a variety of mobility options such as transit and shared modes (e.g., scooter share, bike share, ridehail). Early results suggest that UBM programs can have a range of positive impacts.

Our research chronicles the emergence of eight UBM programs in the US. Portland, Oregon, was the first to launch a UBM program in 2017 and has hosted two additional UBM programs over the years. There are, or have been, UBM pilots and/or programs in the California cities of Sacramento, Oakland, Los Angeles, and Stockton as well as in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. To compare these programs, our research team conducted interviews with city representatives and stakeholders and reviewed reports and other published materials.