One county supervisor argued that mobility is key to helping people released from custody reenter society and access housing and services.
A San Diego County Supervisor is asking county officials to expand a free transit program for people released from the county jail, who are often left with few options for securing affordable transportation.
“Under current practices, only those people leaving jail with less than $7 in cash are given free transit,” explains Jeff McDonald in The San Diego Union-Tribune. In a memo, Supervisor Jim Desmond said, “We have heard from community members and local elected officials that those released from VDF struggle to navigate the public transportation systems and are left wandering the streets of Vista.” According to Desmond, “Limited transportation options act as barriers to reentry, exacerbating challenges faced by the formerly incarcerated population and hindering their ability to rebuild their lives.”
In response, the Board directed city departments to develop a program for universal free transit passes for people released from custody as part of its Alternatives to Custody initiative. “Over coming months, county officials plan to hold more discussions to expand the transportation element of the Alternatives to Custody program to include housing, counseling, job-training and a host of other services.”
FULL STORY: San Diego County supervisors want free transit for more people leaving jail
Despite Funding Challenges, Chapel Hill Offers Extensive Free Transportation Network
The North Carolina college town boasts free transit and dozens of miles of bike lanes and greenways.
Philadelphia Could Lose Free Transit Program
The city’s upcoming budget doesn’t include the Zero Fare program, which offers free SEPTA fare to more than 24,000 residents.
Report: Transportation Equity Requires More Than Electrification
Lower-income households often lack the resources to buy electric cars, signaling a need for a more holistic approach to improving mobility and lowering transportation costs.
Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.
North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.
Why Should We Subsidize Public Transportation?
Many public transit agencies face financial stress due to rising costs, declining fare revenue, and declining subsidies. Transit advocates must provide a strong business case for increasing public transit funding.
How to Make US Trains Faster
Changes to boarding platforms and a switch to electric trains could improve U.S. passenger rail service without the added cost of high-speed rail.
Columbia’s Revitalized ‘Loop’ Is a Hub for Local Entrepreneurs
A focus on small businesses is helping a commercial corridor in Columbia, Missouri thrive.
Invasive Insect Threatens Minnesota’s Ash Forests
The Emerald Ash Borer is a rapidly spreading invasive pest threatening Minnesota’s ash trees, and homeowners are encouraged to plant diverse replacement species, avoid moving ash firewood, and monitor for signs of infestation.
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.
City of Santa Clarita
Ascent Environmental
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service