Suggested Citation:
Rodier, Caroline J., Yunwan Zhang, Brian Harold, Christiana Drake (2026)

Brief: Rethinking Transportation Assistance: LA’s Mobility Wallet Pilot Shows Promise in Securing Travel Access for Residents

. Institute of Transportation Studies, University of California, Davis, Brief UCD-ITS-RR-25-114

Abstract:

People living on low incomes often lack affordable and reliable transportation options. These barriers limit access to essential destinations such as medical appointments, school, and jobs. In response, several U.S. cities have tested universal basic mobility wallets that provide flexible transportation funds to low-income residents. In 2023, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority launched one of the largest mobility wallet pilot programs, offering $150 per month to 1,000 participants over the course of a year on prepaid debit cards. Participants could use the monthly stipend to pay for transit, ridehailing, carsharing, car rentals, shared bicycles and scooters, and bicycle purchases.