Tri-Delta Transit’s Mobility on Demand program, in partnership with Uber, continues to provide accessible solutions to transportation issues faced by individuals with disabilities.
The Tri-Delta Transit program offers a Mobility on Demand service that provides registered paratransit passengers access to shared transportation options through Uber for as little as $4 per ride. This service allows users to schedule same-day rides and access extended hours, including Sunday service. Under this program, Tri Delta Transit covers $16 of each ride's fare, with passengers responsible for the initial $4, making transportation significantly more affordable.
Riders can take up to 40 discounted rides per month, provided they select the shared ride option. By partnering with rideshare companies like Uber, the program increases mobility for individuals with limited transportation options, helping them access services and opportunities in the community that work for them.
According to a report on Covey.org, public transportation is an essential for millions of Americans to access to work, school, and other obligations. However, many transit systems remain largely inaccessible, despite the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Older facilities, like the New York subway, often lack features such as elevators and ramps, making it difficult for individuals with disabilities to utilize public transport.
A 2019 study highlighted that 25.5 million Americans report travel-limiting disabilities, with 3.6 million unable to leave their homes due to transportation barriers. Accessible public transportation is crucial for mobility, employment, and independence, as it allows people with disabilities to participate fully in their communities.
The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has transitioned its pilot partnership with Uber and Lyft into a full program for eligible paratransit customers. The program provides on-demand transportation, allowing users to book rides almost immediately, compared to the previous system that required at least a day’s notice. This initiative has saved the MBTA approximately $40,000 and reduced average trip costs for users by 80%, according to a report from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
California's poverty rate surged to 18.9% in 2023, up from 16.4% in 2022, with 7.3 million residents unable to meet basic needs, the California Budget & Policy Center reported. Black, Latinx, and other communities of color faced disproportionate hardship, reflecting long-standing structural inequities. The poverty increase follows the expiration of pandemic-era relief programs like the expanded Child Tax Credit, Earned Income Tax Credit, and enhanced unemployment benefits. Income inequality is stark, with the richest 1% earning 67 times more than the bottom 20%.
According to a February 1, 2024 editorial in CalMatters, California has the highest poverty rate in the U.S., driven by its high cost of living, partially due to excessive litigation that raises insurance costs. The average Californian household spends over $53,000 annually on necessities, and nearly one-third of residents live in or near poverty.