Oregon Active Transportation Summit

Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) is the concept of providing a foundational level of transportation to all members of society, regardless of factors such as socioeconomic status, ability, age, or geographic location. Across the country, UBM programs are being tested and established to expand equitable access and meet community-specific needs. In this session you will hear from two PNW programs that can serve as scalable, implementation-ready models: Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Transportation Wallet: Access for All Program and King County Metro’s Easy Trip Program.

Both programs represent a shift away from single-mode transit subsidies toward multimodal, resident-directed transportation support. By leveraging prepaid debit technology, community-based partnerships, and culturally responsive outreach, these programs empower participants to choose how, when, and where they travel to access healthcare, employment, education, and community connections. The Portland Bureau of Transportation’s Transportation Wallet: Access for All has evolved from a small pilot to a permanent City of Portland program, leveraging a partnership model to identify low-income residents in need of transportation assistance and distribute transportation benefits to community members. PBOT selects a cohort of community-based organizations to assist in implementing the program, which provides transit passes, bike- and scooter-share benefits, and prepaid cards for use on transportation-related purchases.

King County Metro’s Easy Trip Program builds on lessons from peer mobility programs to provide supportive housing residents with flexible monthly transportation funds that expand access beyond traditional subsidized rides. Through a partnership with Hopelink, the program pairs these funds with Community Transportation Navigators, peer mentors with lived experience, who offer hands-on guidance, build trust, and help residents navigate a range of transportation options. This integrated model demonstrates how combining flexible financial tools with human-centered support can improve access to jobs, healthcare, and essential services while advancing equity-focused mobility outcomes.

This presentation will feature a case study of each program that details the program's structure, funding sources, partnerships, and performance measurement strategies that demonstrate return on investment. You’ll also hear the latest outcomes from these programs – such as reduced participant transportation cost burden, increased transit and micromobility utilization, and improved mobility. Attendees will gain insights on how UBM programs can be designed, funded, evaluated, and scaled to advance equity, climate goals, and long-term system sustainability while improving participants’ daily lives.