Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) programs manifest the concept that all community members have a right to at least some degree of mobility, regardless of residence or income level [1]. The concept is the transportation equivalent of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which provides government-funded cash assistance to buy food. In the case of UBM, the government provides a mobility subsidy to eligible residents to address their transportation needs and allow them to choose more convenient trips. Several cities across the U.S. recently piloted UBM programs with the intention of removing the monetary cost barrier to transportation [2]. The pilot programs were envisioned to provide all residents with a baseline level of mobility, incentivize the use of shared travel modes, and improve access to employment opportunities [2].

References

  1. ITS America, “Universal Basic Mobility Primer.” Accessed: May 15, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://itsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Universal-Basic-Mobility-One-Pager_Final.pdf

  2. C. Rodier, A. Tovar, S. Fuller, M. D’Agostino, and B. Harold, “A Survey of Universal Basic Mobility Programs and Pilots in the United States,” University of California Institute of Transportation Studies. [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.7922/G2N8784Q

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Note: Mobility COE research partners conducted this literature review in Spring of 2024 based on research available at the time. Unless otherwise noted, this content has not been updated to reflect newer research.