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A Study of Universal Basic Mobility Pilot Programs
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ITS Going Place A Study of UBM Pilots

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  • Home
  • About
  • UBM Pilots
    • Overview
    • References
  • Deep Dives into California Pilots
    • Pilot Descriptions
      • Oakland
      • Bakersfield
      • Los Angeles
      • Stockton
    • Evaluation Methods
    • Key Findings
      • Mode Use
      • Mode Shifts
      • Transportation Poverty
      • Broader Impacts
  • Best Practices
  • Publications
  • Media Coverage

Overview of UBM Pilots

UBM pilots have been rapidly proliferating While this website showcases four California pilots evaluated by UC Davis researchers, here we show a broader survey of information about mobility wallets. 

The tables here provide an overview of UBM-inspired pilots across the US, including the four in California that this website showcases in greater detail on other pages. Details summarized include the location, population group and number of participants granted free or discounted transportation services and amount of these benefits; program funding source; and duration of program. 

Summary of UBM-inspired Programs in the U.S.                      

Name 
(State, City)

When?

Who?

How many?

What?

How much?

How funded?

Parking District
(Portland, OR)
Since 2017Residents and employees in central city parking districts6,500Funds allocated by mode~$66/month (max.)Parking permit fees and negotiated lower pricing
New Mover
(Portland, OR)
Since 2022Residents moving into new multi-unit buildings in TOD zonesN/AFunds allocated by mode~$17-$26/month (more for income-qualified)Developer fees
Affordable Housing
(Portland, OR)
2019-2022Affordable housing residents1,000Funds flexible across modes and funds allocated by mode~$31/monthLocal agency
Affordable Housing
(Sacramento, CA)
Since 2017Affordable housing residents who cannot drive150 (annual)Funds flexible across modes$100/monthState air quality and local agency
Universal Basic Mobility
(Pittsburgh, PA)
Since 2022Income-qualified residents50Funds allocated by mode$262/monthFoundation and shared mobility provider

Deep dive into California pilots

Universal Basic Mobility
(Oakland, CA)
2021-2022Employees and residents in East Oakland near new BART500Funds flexible across modes$300 total for 3 months (anticipated use)Local agency
Mobility Wallet
(Los Angeles, CA)
2023-2024 (12 months)Income-qualified residents in South L.A.2,000Funds flexible across modes$150/monthState air quality and local agency
Mobility Incentives
(Stockton, CA)
2023-2024 (18 months)Income-qualified residents in South Stockton400Funds flexible across modes$100/monthState air quality and local agency
Spin/Dream Center
(Bakersfield, CA)
2022 (12 months)At-risk youth (18-25 years old) identified by social services center125Spin e-scooters and e-bikes5 rides up to 30 minutes each per daySpin

 

Overview of Payment technologies

Payment technologies have implications for how users can seamlessly move between multiple modes, such as public transit, micromobility (like scooters and bikes), and ride-hailing services. As more cities implement these programs, understanding best practices for mobility wallet payment methods will help scale equitable transportation access.

Participants use these wallets through transit apps that integrate various payment methods, including:

  • Prepaid Credit/Debit Card which enabled payment across all allowable modes

  • Transit card or Stored Value Cards linked to app accounts (e.g., Clipper, TAP, or Ventra cards).

  • Pass includes paper passes used to ride transit

  • Credit on third-party platforms or accounts tied to individuals’ ID numbers or phone numbers

Name 
(State, City)

Pre-paid Credit Card

Transit Card

Pass

Credit on third-party platforms

Parking District
(Portland, OR)

 

X

X

X

New Mover
(Portland, OR)

 

X

X

 

Affordable Housing
(Portland, OR)

X

X

X

X

Affordable Housing
(Sacramento, CA)

X

 

 

 

Universal Basic Mobility
(Pittsburgh, PA)

X

 

 

 

Deep dive into California pilots

Universal Basic Mobility
(Oakland, CA)

X

 

 

 

Mobility Wallet
(Los Angeles, CA)

X

X

 

 

Mobility Incentives
(Stockton, CA)

X

 

 

 

Spin/Dream Center
(Bakersfield, CA)

 

 

 

x

 

Contact us

This research is being conducted by the Institute of Transportation Studies of UC Davis. For questions please contact Mollie D'Agostino. 

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