The Equitable Commute Project
Disadvantaged NYC communities face especially long commutes, creating barriers to employment and harming overall well-being. The Equitable Commute Project (ECP) will provide electric commute options for frontline Bronx and Brooklyn workers by increasing ownership of micromobility through:
- Fleet discounts and innovative finance. Negotiate discounts from micromobility vendors, advance microloans to borrowers without traditional credit history, and subsidize 50% of purchase price.
- Outreach and education. Partner with community-based organizations to promote economic mobility through micromobility, providing education to spur uptake.
- Workforce development. Prepare New Yorkers facing barriers to employment for jobs in the micromobility industry, which is expected to grow to a $300-500 billion market by 2030.
- Data collection for replication. Analyze data to create policy impact with dedicated research partners.
- Policy impact. Leverage learnings to shape state and federal subsidies. Bring the voices of marginalized communities to the growing chorus of advocates pushing for investment in safe infrastructure.
The Equitable Commute Project (ECP) will create access to e-micromobility ownership for disadvantaged Bronx and Brooklyn residents by overcoming financial, social, and logistical barriers. With e-micromobility vehicles costing an average of $1000, subsidies combined with low-cost microlending for those without credit histories will be groundbreaking. Community and employer outreach and education will support uptake through increased knowledge about e-micromobility and its safe use. Oonnee and Swiftmile will provide secure storage and charging. Finally, with HOPE, we will create a micromobility workforce, producing good green jobs and greater economic opportunity.
Success will include 5,000 e-micromobilty vehicles on the road by the end of 2024. Success will also be marked by developing the needed data to scale and replicate the program and create a roadmap for safe cycling infrastructure improvements in NYC. And it will be demonstrated by a growing constituency, insisting on safe infrastructure for e-micromobility.
Short-term impact will include dramatic reductions in participants' commute times, quality of life improvements, and greater access to employment. Over the long term, ECP will support implementation of new bike lanes, and demonstrate the utility of micromobility charging and parking facilities. With marketing and media coverage we will create demand among employers and workers who will have a readily-available low-cost financing option through Spring Bank, and education and safety materials provided by ECP. And the program will propel government incentives for e-micromobility in NYS and nationally. Disadvantaged communities can finally join wealthy EV purchasers, who have long enjoyed subsidies for their sustainable transport choices.