Introduction
Addressing poverty in a community requires examining public transportation. Accessible and affordable transit is identified by EndPovertyEdmonton as one of the six game changers for poverty elimination.
The Ride Transit Program is intended to support Edmontonians with low income in accessing education, employment, and recreation opportunities. In 2018, the City of Edmonton entered into an agreement with AndersonDraper Consulting Inc., an independent evaluation company, to undertake an evaluation of the Ride Transit Program. The evaluation was overseen by a Steering Committee and managed internally by the Manager, Service Design, Business Performance and Customer Experience.
Major Findings This evaluation provides insight to better understand the successes and challenges of the Ride Transit Pilot. As a result, more clarity exists as to who is using the program and how access can be improved and expanded.
Evidence collected through this evaluation indicates the following outcomes are being achieved:
- Increased access to public transportation
- Increased access to employment opportunities
- Improved participation in recreational opportunities
- Reduced social isolation;
J. TRANSPORTATION/City of Edmonton Ride Transit Evaluation.pdf