What Makes Universal Basic Mobility Programs Work?

Brian Harold, Caroline PhD Rodier, Angela PhD Sanguinetti and Mollie C. D'Agostino

Institute of Transportation Studies, Working Paper Series from Institute of Transportation Studies, UC Davis

Abstract: Many Californians face “transportation poverty”–a lack of reliable, efficient, safe, and affordable ways to get to jobs, school, shopping, and medical appointments. Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) programs aim to close this gap. One approach is providing income-qualified individuals with mobility wallets (e.g., prepaid debit cards) used to cover costs for a range of transportation services and options, such as shared mobility and transit services. The range of transportation choices available to mobility wallet participants often helps reduce reliance on personal vehicles while supporting cleaner, lower-carbon travel. To understand how these programs work in practice, we evaluated UBM pilots in four California cities– Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Oakland, and Stockton–and reviewed similar efforts across the country. Our research highlights design features, challenges, outcomes that matter most for agencies and policymakers considering this new tool for addressing transportation barriers.

Keywords: Social; and; Behavioral; Sciences (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025-11-01
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