What if Cities Combined Car-Based Solutions with Transit to Improve Access to Opportunity?

This brief, published by the Urban Institute, argues for a shift in thinking beyond the “cars versus transit” mentality which isolates urban poor from economic opportunities. Car access is often restrictive for poor families, immigrants, and people of color. Yet at the same time, public transport is often cumbersome or inaccessible – especially for those outside of the densest urban areas. This brief argues for the creation of new regional coalitions – which would assess the transportation needs of low-income households and implement solutions – including strategies combining affordable car ownership, ride sharing, and expanded transit access. Reducing barriers and burdens of car ownership and driver’s licenses, while promoting carpooling and car sharing strategies, could significantly benefit mobility and accessibility for urban low-income populations.