Discount programs designed to help low-income transit riders have participation rates that rarely hit 50%, signaling a lack of effective outreach to eligible households.
A new report from the Regional Plan Association assesses the successes and challenges of the reduced fare transit programs that exist around the country.
According to the report, “Enrollment across many programs is low, with seven case study examples showing highest program participation rates at 50%.” This signals that the programs fail to reach many of the people who need them most.
Drawing from existing programs, the report outlines best practices for improving reduced fare programs and ensuring that more people can access them. These include wider eligibility thresholds, automated enrollment based on other assistance programs like SNAP, and outreach partnerships with community organizations such as schools and healthcare clinics.
The report ties transit access to healthcare, jobs, education, and other essential resources. “Ensuring transportation access is not only a matter of urban planning or transit policy; it is a public health imperative. Affordable and reliable transportation must be prioritized to ensure that all individuals can reach the destinations that sustain their health and livelihoods.”
Read the full story: Reduced Fares: Lessons from Across the Country
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