Description
Improving destination accessibility, particularly in underserved areas to key services (grocery, healthcare, education) can both improve equity-and reduce VMT by reducing the distance that people have to drive.
Implementation Details
- Identify and map neighborhood level gaps in services and destinations, such as healthy food options, healthcare services, education, and retail.
- Develop mobility hubs or transit stop enhancements (e.g., benches, lighting, shade structures) at key community destinations such as libraries, clinics, and grocery stores.
- Incorporate accessibility scoring into regional grant programs and funding applications to elevate projects in underserved areas.
Mitigation Potential
Improving destination accessibility allows for key destinations (e.g. jobs, supermarkets, or schools) to be located in closer proximity. Reduced time and distance between origins and destinations encourages people to walk or bike, reducing VMT.
Linked Strategies
Equity Considerations
Improving access to key destinations in underserved areas supports mobility justice by connecting residents to jobs, education, healthcare, and groceries. Priority should be given to equity-priority neighborhoods identified in local definitions of disadvantaged communities or using tools such as CalEnviroScreen. Engagement with community-based organizations is essential to align improvements with local needs.
Funding Sources
Private funding sources. Local municipalities can offer financial incentives and other benefits. Other funding sources include Neighborhood Access and Equity Grants (United States Department of Transportation), the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (United States Department of Transportation), the Sustainable Communities Program – Civic Engagement, Equity, and Environmental Justice (Southern California Association of Governments), and the Go Human: Community Streets Grant Program (Southern California Association of Governments).
Examples/Case Studies
SCAG Access to Opportunities Indicators
SCAG uses accessibility indicators to identify areas where residents lack convenient access to jobs, schools, and healthcare, guiding project prioritization
Fresno Equity Transportation Plan
Fresno used accessibility scoring to prioritize investments near job centers and health services for equity-priority neighborhoods