Means-Tested Public Transportation Subsidies

This project will examine how means-tested transportation subsidies affect individuals’ geospatial mobility patterns, transportation mode substitution, labor market outcomes, and other socioeconomic outcomes of interest such as health care utilization and education. We will provide a randomized amount of public transportation fare subsidies to a sample of residents of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Study participants will receive either a 0%, 50%, or 100% discount on Pittsburgh Regional Transit bus and light rail vehicles for one year. We hypothesize that this subsidy will increase the overall mobility of its beneficiaries, which will in turn increase labor force participation, income, and health care utilization.