‘Universal Basic Mobility’ Pilot Launches in Los Angeles

The Los Angeles Department of Transportation (LADOT) has launched an $18 million program dubbed Universal Basic Mobility aimed at improving transportation opportunities for South L.A. residents, reports Ashley Mackey.

The program will make electric car sharing, charging facilities, on-demand shuttles, and e-bikes available for free or at low cost. “The program will also fund job-training programs for EV and e-bike maintenance and will provide more affordable, accessible and sustainable public transit options.”

The program could make a big difference for South L.A. residents who often face hours-long commutes and difficulty accessing jobs and amenities. According to another article by Susan Carpenter, “Los Angeles residents can reach 12 times as many jobs with a car as they can with public transit, according to the Los Angeles Department of Transportation.”

Carpenter adds that “Early next year, the program will add a new mobility wallet system that will enable 2,000 South LA residents to receive $150 each month to spend on whatever form of transportation will help them get around without the need for a credit card, whether it be a Metro pass, funds to rent an EV or a voucher for Uber or Lyft.”

The program also promises to improve infrastructure and provide job training in electric vehicle maintenance. “LADOT has already created its first cohort of EV maintenance trainees as part of the Universal Basic Mobility pilot and is beginning to work with local constituents to figure out the exact locations for infrastructural improvements.”