Transportation is an essential component to accessing employment,
healthcare, and building community resilience. The recommendations in this Policy Action Area help decision-makers improve affordable access to transportation while building infrastructure that increases active commuting and decreases emissions contributing to climate change and air pollution.

Everybody should have safe, accessible and convenient transportation options to get to work and other destinations, especially if they do not own or have access to a car. Lack of access to a car should not limit people’s access to opportunities.

Walking, bicycling and using public transportation allows people to get regular exercise. The U.S. Surgeon General recommends at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, and most people can reach that goal simply by walking or biking to work or other destinations, while also building physical activity into their daily lives. This can add up: nearly a third of public transportation users are physically active for 30 minutes or more each day just from walking to and from their pickup location.

  Studies have shown that people who use public transportation for any reason were less likely to be sedentary or obese, taking 30% more steps and walking 8.3 more minutes per day than people who mostly drove everywhere.

 Walking to and from public transportation can also save people money on healthcare costs. One study estimated lifetime savings of $5,550 per person in 2007 dollars.

However, many California cities have developed infrastructure that favors individual car use and offers limited alternatives. These limitations can make it difficult for those without access to a car to get around, especially in rural areas where destinations are further apart. Lack of adequate transportation options can negatively impact one’s health, especially if it makes it difficult to get to a job, healthy food options, health care services and other destinations. Where transit service is scarce, when routes are cut back, and when sidewalks and bicycle facilities are lacking, people have less access to goods and services, employment, and other opportunities. Low-income individuals and people of color, who use active and public transportation options the most, are greatly impacted by lack of access.

 During extreme heat events and other climate-related events, having access to public transportation can greatly impact the health outcomes of these communities. In some cases, transportation is required for survival and sufficient access to the transit system during these events is essential.

Automobile Access

Everybody should have safe, accessible and convenient transportation options to get to work and other destinations. Active commuting by foot, bike and transit creates opportunities for physical activity, provides transportation options for those without a car, encourages social cohesion, and reduces contributions to climate change and air pollution.

Studies have shown that people who use public transportation for any reason were less likely to be sedentary or obese, taking 30% more steps and walking 8.3 more minutes per day than people who mostly drove everywhere.

However, many California cities have developed infrastructure that favors individual car use and offers limited alternatives. These limitations can make it difficult for those who walk, bike and take public transportation to get around, especially in rural areas where destinations are further apart. Lack of adequate transportation options can negatively impact one’s health, particularly for those who without access to a car. Where transit service is scarce, when routes are cut back, and when sidewalks and bicycle facilities are lacking, people have less access to goods and services, employment, and other opportunities. Low-income individuals and people of color, who use active and public transportation options the most, are greatly impacted by lack of access.

 During extreme heat events and other climate-related events, having available transportation options can greatly impact the health outcomes of these communities. In some cases, transportation is required for survival and sufficient access to the transit system during these events is essential.