Based on the evaluations of the two case studies that have completed pilots (Oakland and Bakersfield) the following best practices emerged. The goal of providing this concise list of best practices is to inform other cities considering adopting, or in the process of adopting similar UBM pilots or programs.  

 

  • Improve Communication Between City and Pilot Participants

    • Clear and consistent branding for the mobility wallet cards and materials to address issues associated with lost or unopened mail, or cards that are received but not registered. This branding should be maintained throughout the pilot period.  
    • Identifying a point person to provide Aaccessible info beyond  (not just outreach events and website materials. ; pParticipants shared that they would have benefited from need a reliable and responsive line of communication, reliable, responsive, that is a consistent contact throughout the pilot process.)
    • Clear information provided about what services are/are not included and updated FAQs when common questions emerge. 

  • Expand Service Provision

    • More car ride options was a theme that emerged in the feedback from participants in both case study areas. The services provided helped, but could not meet all of their transportation needs. Need Expanding service to include more some affordances for car modes (e.g. ridehail, carshare) can address concerns, for safety and help meet the needs of longer certain trips types, and to address weather issues (too hot, rainy). 
    • Open to experimentation pilot participants were excited with the Opportunities for training and testing new modes (mm)
    • Improve Service Reliability Need for reliable services (availability of vehicles, operable conditions/vandalism)
    • Leverage Openness to Experimentation. pilot participants conveyed a willingness to try new options and interest in training and testing new modes (e.g. micromobility shuttles). 

  • Improve Safety of Micromobility Services 

    • Provide safety Gear such as helmets, to send a clear signal that the safety of participants is a high priority. 
    • Provide clear safety Instructions to improve the safe usage of scooter or bikes. This will make clear expectations of what rider behaviors are safe vs. risky, e.g. wear helmets, stay in bike lanes and off sidewalks. 
    • Prioritize Bike Infrastructure Improvements in pilot areas. Participants expressed concern about the lack of protected bike lanes which can lead to unsafe practices such as sidewalk riding. 

  • Ensure Continuity of Services 

    • Maintain Reliability of Services. Need for reliable services (changing vehicles mid-program, City disallowing multiple types of mm vehicles)
    • Lengthen Pilot Timelines, Avoid gaps, and Prioritize a Transition to Permanent Programs. Delivering UBM services on a longer-term basis is a priority for participants. Pilots that are too short run the risk of reducing the ability to demonstrate mode shift, and even longer pilots that abruptly end may cause harm if they encourage participants to make lifestyle changes, move, or shed a vehicle, etc.