The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has launched a “Universal Basic Mobility” (UBM) pilot aimed at increasing access to transportation options for thousands of its residents. Universal Basic Mobility believes that robust transportation options are essential for opportunity to exist. Without mobility, people cannot access basic needs such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare.
The pilot covers a large area of South Los Angeles, which was chosen because of the high proportion of households below the poverty line – as well as the large share of residents who rely on public transit.
The pilot will: deploy 250 e-bikes; expand Blue LA EV carshare; provide free, on-demand EV shuttle services; .provide subsidized Metro and LADOT DASH fares; install 16 electric vehicle charging stations at four libraries; install 75 electric vehicle charging stations at Rec & Parks facilities; install 2 Direct Current Fast Charger hubs; provide workforce training on electric charging stations and electric bikes for 30 Angelenos; provide $1 million in funding to complete the Rail to Rail project; and install a safe streets infrastructure.
The UBM pilot was funded with US$13,843,298 in STEP grant funding from the State of California Climate Investment Program. The City of Los Angeles has also approved an additional $4 million, and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced that LADOT would be awarded $6.7 million in additional funding from California Climate Investments (CCI).
“Mobility is essential to opportunity. That is what drives LADOT’s commitment to provide Universal Basic Mobility for Angelenos,” said LADOT general manager, Seleta Reynolds. “As a city, we must prioritize equal access to dignified, reliable, safe, and affordable transportation that serves residents’ needs regardless of income. This initiative helps empower South LA communities and lay the foundation for a concerted, citywide effort to achieve Universal Basic Mobility.”