UBM Pilots in the United States
Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) pilots have been rapidly proliferating across the United States, offering new ways to make transportation more affordable and accessible. While this website highlights four innovative pilot programs in California—each evaluated by UC Davis researchers—this section expands the view to include a national survey of UBM initiatives.
The table below summarizes details of programs, including name, location, and timing (When); population (Who) and number of recipients (How many); type and amount of free or discounted transportation service (What and How much); and program funding source.
UBM Programs Summary
(Data from Rodier et al 2024)
Name | When? | Who? | How many? | What? | How much? | How funded? |
| Parking District (Portland, OR) | Since 2017 | Residents and employees in central city parking districts | 6,500+ | Funds allocated by mode | Varies by year, up to $868 value as of 2025 | Parking permit fees and negotiated lower pricing |
| New Mover (Portland, OR) | Since 2022 | Residents moving into new multi-unit buildings in TOD zones | No Data | Funds allocated by mode | Varies by year, $508 value as of 2025 | Developer fees |
| Transportation Wallet: Access for All (Portland, OR) | Phase 1: 2019-2022 Current: Since 2022 | Phase 1: Affordable housing residents Current: Income-qualified CBO clients or residents of eligible parking districts | 1,000+ (annual) | Funds flexible across modes and funds allocated by mode | Phase 1: ~$31/month Current: $400+ value depending on option selected | Phase 1: Local agency Current: Local taxes |
| Affordable Housing (Sacramento, CA) | Since 2017 | Affordable housing residents who cannot drive | 150 (annual) | Funds flexible across modes | $100/month | State air quality and local agency |
| Universal Basic Mobility (Pittsburgh, PA) | Since 2022 | Income-qualified residents | 50 | Funds allocated by mode | $262/month | Foundation and shared mobility provider |
California pilots with UC Davis research evaluation: | ||||||
Name | When? | Who? | How many? | What? | How much? | How funded? |
| Universal Basic Mobility (Oakland, CA) | Phase 1: 2021-2022 Phase 2: 2025-2026 | Phase 1: Employees and residents in East Oakland near new BART Phsae 2: Income-qualified employees and residents in West Oakland | Phase 1: 500 Phase 2: 1,000 | Funds flexible across modes | Phase 1: $300 total for 3 months (2 loads) Phase 2: $320 | Local agency/Transportation commission |
| Mobility Wallet (Los Angeles, CA) | Phase 1: 2023-2024 (12 months) Phase 2: 2025-2026 (12 months) | Phase 1: Income-qualified residents in South L.A. Phase 2: Income-qualified residents across L.A. County | Phase 1: 1,000 Phase 2: 2,200 | Funds flexible across modes | Phase 1: $150/month Phase 2: $1,800 (lump sum) | State air quality and local agency |
| Mobility Incentives (Stockton, CA) | 2023-2024 (18 months) | Income-qualified residents in South Stockton | 400 | Funds flexible across modes | $100/month | State air quality and local agency |
| Spin/Dream Center (Bakersfield, CA) | 2022 (12 months) | At-risk youth (18-25 years old) identified by social services center | 125 | Spin e-scooters and e-bikes | 5 rides up to 30 minutes each per day | Spin |