The promise of Universal Basic Mobility

Historically, U.S. transportation policy efforts to meet the needs of those facing transportation insecurity focus on public transit supply. However, the provision of public transit alone has largely kept such travellers at a disadvantage in accessing opportunities. A growing number of U.S. agencies have begun to promote the notion of Universal Basic Mobility (UBM), a mode-agnostic concept that emphasises individuals’ right to the mobility sufficient to meet their daily needs. In this review, we draw on the literature on social policy formation, previous transportation policy efforts, and theories of transportation and mobility justice to reflect on UBM and its potential. The research suggests three essential elements: (1) a recognition that mobility, or freedom of movement, is essential for human well-being; (2) the targeting of resources toward those disproportionately suffering from transportation insecurity; and (3) the inclusion of both supply and demand components to enable individuals to take advantage of the transportation services that best meet their travel needs. In so doing, UBM has the potential to avoid the shortcomings of previous transportation policy efforts – in the U.S. and elsewhere – and to significantly improve transportation outcomes for those most in need.