Testing the Impact of Subsidized Public Transit for Unemployed Persons

This study examines if subsidizing public transit fares can address barriers to employment. In collaboration with the Seattle Department of Transportation and a temporary staffing agency called Uplift Northwest, the Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities launched a randomized controlled trial assigning participants to receive either a one-year, fully subsidized transit pass or a one-time $10 transit card. Drawing on data from various sources, including Uplift Northwest, King County Metro, and Washington state agencies, the study aims to determine the impact of subsidized transit on travel behavior, labor market outcomes, benefits utilization (such as SNAP and TANF), and housing stability. Prior studies on the effects of transportation subsidies demonstrate an increased use of public transportation in groups receiving subsidies compared to a control group, but there is a lack of evidence on employment effects. Clients of Uplift Northwest are an appropriate population for this study because they are low-income, under- or unemployed, are usually experiencing homelessness, and frequently use public transportation.