LADOT Launches ‘Universal Basic Mobility’ Pilot

The LA Department of Transportation (LADOT) launched a groundbreaking Universal Basic Mobility Pilot in South Los Angeles — one of the largest programs of its kind in the country, increasing access to transportation options for thousands of Angelenos. The pilot will bring e-bikes, shared EV cars, and on-demand EV shuttle service, in addition to a partnership with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority to subsidize transit fares for 2,000 pilot area residents who have historically lacked options for how to get to where they need to go safely.

University Basic Mobility is a concept that believes that robust transportation options are essential to opportunity. Without mobility, people cannot access basic needs such as education, employment, housing, and healthcare. For example, in Los Angeles today, there are 12 times more jobs accessible in one hour by car than by transit.

The pilot is currently supported by nearly $18 million in state and city funding. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) recently announced that LADOT would be awarded $6.7 million in additional funding from California Climate Investments (CCI) for its groundbreaking pilot, complementing $7 million in funding the department received from the board last year. Earlier this year, the Los Angeles City Council voted to approve $4 million to expand transit subsidies and other program elements.

“Mobility is essential to opportunity. That is what drives LADOT’s commitment to provide Universal Basic Mobility for Angelenos,” said LADOT GM Seleta Reynolds. “As a city, we must prioritize equal access to dignified, reliable, safe, and affordable transportation that serves residents' needs regardless of income. This initiative helps empower South LA communities and lay the foundation for a concerted, citywide effort to achieve Universal Basic Mobility.”

The Universal Basic Mobility pilot covers a large swath of South Los Angeles, bounded by the 10 Freeway to the north, South Alameda Street to the east, Crenshaw Boulevard to the west, and Florence Avenue to the South. The area was chosen because of the high proportion of households below the poverty line as well as the large share of residents who rely on public transit.

The pilot will:

• Deploy 250 e-bikes.
• Expand Blue LA EV carshare by an additional 100 cars within the pilot zone.
• Provide free, on-demand EV shuttle services.
• Provide subsidized Metro and LADOT DASH fares for 2,000 Pilot area residents.
• Install 16 electric vehicle charging stations at four libraries.
• Install 75 electric vehicle charging stations at Rec & Parks facilities.
• Install 2 Direct Current Fast Charger hubs.
• Provide workforce training on electric charging stations and electric bikes for 30 Angelenos.
• Provide $1 million in funding to complete the Rail to Rail project.
• Install safe streets infrastructure.