To catch a ride…

Cultural ideals for housing and transit in the U.S. are clear: single-family homes and private cars trump apartments and buses. Policymakers reinforce these preferences—and corporate America accommodates them—with zoning laws that discourage population density and mandate parking lots. Yet environmental and economic considerations suggest that we would do well as a nation to downsize our houses and get around more on public transit.

Congressional action on a huge new infrastructure bill seemed like an unprecedented opportunity to shift gears on transportation policy and retreat from our car-crazy model, especially in low-income communities or towns where work is distant and a car is a luxury. Small towns and cities with many immigrants are particularly disadvantaged by an auto-centric nation, as new residents may be less likely to know how (or be authorized) to drive. 

The law passed last November, however, does not anticipate the needs of non-driving immigrants.  Although it increases overall spending on transit projects by 79%, much of this money will go to expand and improve urban area rapid transit. Bus projects appear to be limited to fixed-route systems with local or state funds to match federal grants. Small increases in funding for tribal transit and rural Appalachia will reach few if any immigrants. (Transportation for America provides more information about transit funding in the infrastructure bill.) 

Not be stifled by the limitations of federal policy, small but innovative transportation projects have sprung up and may be harbingers of future transportation development in rural areas. Communities all over the country have programs with volunteer drivers for elderly and disabled people, and ride-sharing initiatives are becoming common (but not usually in rural areas.) The lion’s share of low-cost opportunities for alternative transportation beyond the cities are in California. Check out the Green Raiteros and the Agricultural Worker Vanpool Project. Not only do these projects provide free (or near-free) rides to work or school or doctor’s appointment to rural residents, many of whom are immigrants, but their services benefit the environment. Raiteros use electric vehicles (Teslas, no less) and Vanpools are hybrids.