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$1 million initiative launched to transform transportation services in Oakland

Posted: 14 February 2019 | | No comments yet

This programme represents a coming-together of government, business and the non-profit sector, with the single goal of improving transportation options.

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A partnership between Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf, Transform and Lyft has resulted in more – and improved – transportation options for the residents of Oakland.

Lyft has donated $700,000 toward a $1 million grant to support Transform’s work on three transportation initiatives: Community-Driven Placemaking; Mobility4All Partnership; and Bike Library at the Shed.

The investment will focus on improving community-led transportation solutions including a new, free bike library, free Lyft rides for low-income residents and new community parklets.

“We know that transportation means more than just a way to get around, it’s a key to social and economic mobility,” said Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf. “This exciting partnership is about undoing the wrongs of the past, building the sustainable future our city needs and putting us on the track toward a multi-modal transportation network that truly meets the needs of all Oaklanders.”

‘Community-Driven Placemaking’ will involve a network of East Oakland organisations working on the design and creation of new parklets and future bike-share stations in East Oakland; focusing on how bike-share stations can improve placemaking, build community ownership and support local businesses.

Lyft and Transform are together funding the ‘East Oakland Collective’ to pilot a free ride programme for underserved populations: ‘Mobility4All Partnership’. Qualifying residents will have access to subsidised AC Transit passes, free Lyft rides and Lyft’s $5/month Community Pass for bikes and scooters.

“At Lyft, we believe it is our civic responsibility to make cities better places to live,” said Lyft co-Founder and President, John Zimmer. “We know that transportation is a major key to unlocking economic mobility. We also know that transportation has been inaccessible for far too many communities for far too long. We have a unique opportunity to set a new standard for transportation equity and inclusiveness.”

The Scraper Bike Team have agreed to assist in the establishment of the free, community-run ‘Bike Library at the Shed’. A portion of the bikes kept at the bike-lending shed will be available for monthly lending, and will be suitable for families with the needs of young children.

Champ Stevenson, Jr., Founder and Executive Director of the Scraper Bike Team, said: “We’ll help make sure the programmes and infrastructure reflect the existing community and culture here in deep East Oakland. We plan on employing folks from the community to assist with some of the equity work that will move Oakland in the direction the people believe it needs to be moving in.”