This article studies how emerging “smart mobility” systems will affect equity issues in Portland, Oregon. It suggests that affordable and improved public transit, ridesharing and active transportation could address many transportation challenges.

Key findings

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Smart mobility technologies such as digital transit tickets and mobile applications for ridehailing services are not always accessible to residents without cell phone plans or data.

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The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation’s 2017 study found that 6.5% of the US population is disconnected from the mainstream banking system, which becomes a barrier for people when mobility systems rely on credit card based payments instead of cash.

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In a survey of 300 residents in East Portland and Gresham, around 40% were still relying on paying transit fares with cash.

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