Evaluation of a Large Scale Universal Basic Mobility Wallet in South Los Angeles

Project Description

A lack of reliable and affordable transportation exacerbates socioeconomic inequities for low-income communities, especially people of color. Universal basic mobility is one new approach to addressing financial barriers and is currently being piloted in a small handful of U.S. cities. Similar in concept to universal basic or guaranteed income, universal basic mobility or mobility wallet pilots provide money for people to spend on their transportation needs. Los Angeles is launching the largest mobility wallet pilot, where 1,000 people in South Los Angeles will receive $150 per month for one year. UCLA and UC Davis researchers will complete a comprehensive mixed-methods evaluation examining travel trends, experiences, and spending for L.A.’s program. The team will analyze wallet spending, conduct surveys with recipients and non-recipients in the project area, and conduct in-depth interviews with a small group of wallet recipients. The evaluation seeks to understand whether and how receiving the mobility wallet changes people’s transportation patterns, experiences, and short-term outcomes like changes in stress or sense of belonging. The results of this study seek to help shape future programs seeking to address transportation needs for priority population areas and low-income communities in California and beyond.

Status
Ongoing

Funding Source
University of California

Partner
Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT), Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LA METRO)

Research Team
tamika butler, Madeline Wander, Evelyn Blumenberg, Caroline Rodier