Description
Subsidizing non-single occupancy vehicle modes can reduce the cost of alternative modes of transportation and encourage shifts to away from single occupancy vehicles.
This measure subsidizes transit passes to reduce the cost associated with transit. Lower rider costs can improve the competitiveness of transit compared to single occupancy vehicles and encourage shifts away from driving.
Implementation Details
- Maintain and/or provide fare-free or 50% reduced Marin Transit passes to youth, seniors, college students, and income-qualified residents in cities.
- Continue participation in the regional Clipper START program.
- Partner with schools, colleges/universities, and employers to distribute and promote fare subsidization program.
Mitigation Potential
Decreasing rider’s cost of using transit reduces VMT by introducing an competitive alternative to driving.
For more details, see CAPCOA, T-9. Implement Subsidized or Discounted Transit Program, pg. 95-99 for VMT reduction quantification.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Target promotions toward transit-dependent populations and residents of Disadvantaged Communities (DACs). Use free or discounted fare programs to reduce cost barriers for youth, seniors, and low-income individuals. Include community feedback loops to evaluate whether campaigns effectively reach equity-priority groups.
Funding Sources
Funding sources include the Regional Active Transportation Program (Metropolitan Transportation Commission), and the Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant Program: Sustainable Communities: Competitive and Technical (Caltrans).
Implemented in TAM Area
Current TDM Implementation
The Marin Access Mobility Wallet is part of the Marin Access Fare Assistance Program and provides a $200 transportation subsidy each month to enrollees, who can qualify as Marin residents over 65 years old. The mobility wallet can be used for public transit, rideshare, taxi, and private transportation like the Wheelchair Express. Clipper START is another program that can subsidize certain public transit in Marin County, providing 50% off bay area transit for residents in qualifying low-income groups.
TDM Benefit Locations
Expanding eligible users for the Marin Access Mobility Wallet to students, certain affordable housing developments, or other groups could increase the benefits from this TDM measure.