Transportation costs place a disproportionate financial burden on low-income households. Families in the lowest income quintile spend roughly 32 percent of their household income on transportation, which combined with housing costs, can consume nearly all their available budget. Transit affordability is typically addressed by providing discounted public transit fares. But transit alone cannot meet every trip need, and without access to a car or other affordable alternatives low-income travelers may forgo trips — reducing social connections, limiting employment opportunities, and eroding their well-being.
