“It Is Our Problem!”: Strategies for Responding to Homelessness on Transit

Document Type

Journal Article

Publication Date

2023

Subject Area

mode - bus, mode - rail, infrastructure - station, infrastructure - stop, planning - methods, planning - surveys

Keywords

public transportation, police, sustainability and resilience, transportation and society, equity in transportation, disadvantaged populations, public transit, transportation equity

Abstract

Buses, bus stops, trains, and train platforms represent sites of shelter for many of the over 500,000 Americans who are unhoused every night. This study seeks to understand how transit agencies are responding to them. Based on interviews with staff members and partners at 10 different transit agencies and on program performance data, where available, we provide detailed case studies of four sets of strategies taken in response to homelessness on transit systems: hub of services, mobile outreach, discounted fares, and transportation to shelters. We analyze each strategy’s scope, implementation, impact, challenges, and lessons learned. Reviewing these strategies, we note that they may differ depending on the context, need, and available resources. We find value in transit agencies fostering external partnerships with social service organizations and other municipal departments and keeping law enforcement distinct from routine homeless outreach. We also underline the key need for funding from other levels of government to allow transit operators to adopt, expand, and refine homelessness response programs.

Rights

Permission to publish the abstract has been given by SAGE, copyright remains with them.

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