Pittsburgh Launches Guaranteed Basic Mobility Pilot

The program aims to improve access to jobs and economic opportunities for some of the city’s most underserved neighborhoods.

1 minute read

August 25, 2022, 7:00 AM PDT

By Diana Ionescu @aworkoffiction


A new “Guaranteed Basic Mobility” program will offer up to 50 Pittsburgh residents free access to the city’s shared mobility and public transit services, reports Danielle McLean in Smart Cities Dive. The year-long program is aimed at increasing access to jobs, education, and services for low-income residents in the Manchester and Chateau neighborhoods.

The program follows similar initiatives in Los Angeles, Oakland, and Portland. Tosh Chambers, senior program director with Pittsburgh’s Move PGH pilot, “hopes that the micromobility options offered under the program will be utilized as a first and last-mile connector to the light rail station located just outside of [Manchester].”

In addition to the 50 residents that will receive free transit benefits, a control group of 50 other residents will be compensated for participating in surveys. By including public transit, scooters, bike share, and car sharing in the program, the city hopes to answer a key question: “If someone has every type of transportation option available to them, what combination of modes will they rely on?”

The city plans to produce a report at the end of the pilot program with hopes that they can find funding for future expansion.

Monday, August 22, 2022 in Smart Cities Dive

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Interior of Place Versailles mall in Montreal, Canada.

Montreal Mall to Become 6,000 Housing Units

Place Versailles will be transformed into a mixed-use complex over the next 25 years.

May 22, 2025 - CBC

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

May 28, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

AI-generated image of high-speed rail trail in elevated track in green hilly farmland.

Four Reasons Urban Planners Can’t Ignore AI

It’s no longer a question of whether AI will shape planning, but how. That how is up to us.

May 28, 2025 - Tom Sanchez

Aerial view of Bend, Oregon.

Bend, Deschutes County Move to Restrict Major Homeless Encampment

City and county officials are closing off portions of an area known as Juniper Ridge where many unhoused residents find shelter, hoping to direct people to housing and supportive services.

May 30 - The Bulletin

Metro rail station in Mariachi Plaza with colorful glass pavilion in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, California.

High Housing Costs Driving Down Transit Ridership in LA

When neighborhoods gentrify and displace lower-income residents, transit ridership suffers, new research shows.

May 30 - CALmatters

Des Moines, Iowa skyline viewed from a plaza with two flags on either side at dusk.

Iowa Legalizes Accessory Dwelling Units

A new law will allow property owners to build ADUs on single-family lots starting on July 1.

May 30 - Smart Cities Dive

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.