Invest in public transportation options
Inadequate infrastructure and lack of access to or reliability of public transit services are barriers to employment opportunities.
Establish partnerships with local businesses, philanthropic organizations, health care providers, and educational institutions to improve public transit infrastructure.
To get started:
Identify gaps in transportation services that hinder opportunities for individuals living below the NPPS.
Invest in and expand services such as Bus Rapid Transit, Light Rail, and Tram systems that will increase services, especially in low-access neighborhoods (e.g., adding bus and rail stops).
Best Practices / Innovative Programs
Twin Cities Green Line is a light rail line that connects business centers in Minneapolis and St Paul Minnesota. Because of successful advocacy efforts, three stations were added in low-income neighborhoods in downtown Minneapolis.
Our Community CareShare Sacramento is a free, membership transportation service located in communities throughout the City of Sacramento, many near communities with affordable housing. Residents can reserve clean zero emission vehicles to run errands, get to appointments, and take local trips.
NYC DOT Street Ambassadors is a New York City program that focuses on building trust through long-term engagement in low-income communities and communities of color. Outreach coordinators complete needs assessment surveys, geared to identifying issues that need to be fixed.
Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission's Equity Through Access (ETA) project seeks to improve economic and social opportunity in the region by expanding access to essential services for vulnerable populations. Essential services include places of employment, grocery stores, schools, medical facilities, recreation/open space areas, senior centers, and centers for the developmentally disabled.
