As you know, sustainable mobility is not only a matter of electric vehicles (not even hydrogen cells, although they are an innovative alternative). Some questions such as public transport or shared transport remain to be enhanced by federal institutions. One of them is going to dare with the largest project ever seen in America: that´s how you are going to receive up to $150 each week.
United States introduces Universal Basic Mobility, a futuristic project for this state alone
Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) is a new concept that aims to provide residents with a guaranteed minimum level of transportation access through direct cash payments. The goal is to increase mobility, reduce dependence on personal vehicles, and promote more equitable transportation systems.
UBM programs provide participants with a fixed amount of money each month to spend on any mode of transportation they choose, such as public transit fares, bike share memberships, ride hailing services, or saving up for a car.
By giving people flexibility in their transportation options, UBM can help connect residents across cities to jobs, healthcare, education, and other services. The mobility payments allow participants to choose the best transportation modes for their needs, rather than being dependent on whatever limited options they can access.
UBM programs also aim to reduce traffic congestion, greenhouse gas emissions, and the high costs of car ownership for low-income individuals. While the idea is still new, these pilot projects are now being tested in several cities across America, but more specifically in one state: California.
Los Angeles pilot project at a glance: a city on the road to sustainable mobility
The city of Los Angeles is currently running a pilot program to provide no-strings-attached money to residents for transportation needs. This is taking place in South LA, one of the city’s lowest-income neighborhoods.
The program, called Universal Basic Mobility, gives prepaid debit cards with $150 per month to 500 local residents. To be eligible, participants had to be earning less than $35,000 per year and live within the pilot zones of South LA.
The money is provided with no limitations on how it can be used, whether for public transit fares, bicycles, scooters, ride shares, or other transportation needs. Participants receive the money through a debit card that allows them to spend it on public transit fares, rideshares, bike shares, and more.
The program’s goal, to revolutionize the way we move throughout the United States
The main goals of the Universal Basic Mobility pilot program in Los Angeles are to improve mobility, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation, and help disadvantaged groups.
The program aims to increase mobility options for residents of South LA by providing them with a monthly stipend to spend on public transit, bike shares, scooters, rideshares, and other sustainable transportation. This gives participants more flexibility and freedom in how they get around.
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is another key objective. Transportation accounts for nearly 40% of LA’s overall emissions. By incentivizing residents to use more shared, active, and low-emissions transit options, the program hopes to reduce the number of solo car trips and associated emissions.
Finally, the program is targeted at helping disadvantaged communities. South LA residents face lower incomes but higher transportation costs than other parts of the city. The monthly stipend makes mobility more affordable and accessible for these groups.
It is clear that sustainable mobility is being developed in one states faster than in others. Nevertheless, L. A. is leading the way to expand public transport without only developing trains and megalomaniacal inventions (someone´s Hyperloop, for example). This could be one of the most ambitious projects we have ever seen, and the scenario is as optimistic as you may think.
