Access to transportation is a crucial social determinant of health and a pathway to employment, income, and opportunity. Yet far too many Tucson residents find it challenging to get to and from essential destinations -- healthcare, education, groceries, work, social support, and other services. Here are some facts:
- The poverty rate in Tucson is 19.8% or an estimated 102,000 people.
- About 10% of households in Tucson do not have access to a car.
- Taxis, Uber, and Lyft are too expensive for low-income people.
- Fixed-route buses, streetcars, and shuttles may not be convenient, time-efficient, or on-demand.
- Walking to/from public transportation stops can be precarious in hot or monsoon weather.
Low-income residents need point-to-point transportation to transit hubs and destinations. Solving this problem is a critical priority. The Healthy Communities and Wellness Alliance has initiated planning for an innovative all-electric micros transit service. Micro transit uses small, on-demand vans to provide passengers with flexible, personalized, and shared transportation solutions. The service will operate within distinct geographic boundaries, defined partner destinations, and deliver rides as requested through a mobile app. It will fill origin-to-destination gaps for eligible residents through a dependable, on-demand, all-electric ride service at no cost.
The micro transit solution will complement and enhance Tucson's free public transportation system and increase access for every resident in need.
Click HERE for a PowerPoint briefing.
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