Lane Transit District’s Vision for Inclusive Transportation

Mobility management doesn’t roll off the tongue smoothly. It’s the term used to define the method for managing and delivering coordinated transportation services to customers, including older adults, people with disabilities, and individuals with lower incomes. Quite simply, it is an innovative approach to getting people where they need to go.

Lane Transit District (LTD) has been in the early stages of a mobility management model for years now, with services like RideSource and our partnership with Cascadia Mobility. LTD’s Chief Executive Officer Jameson Auten is on a “mode agnostic” mission to sync up transit in Lane County with diverse mobility options that benefit the entire community, not just those taking public transportation.

The agency recently created a new Community Resource Liaison position. Their job is to refine the relationship between transit, social service providers, and the unhoused – enabling LTD to better support our most vulnerable populations. LTD is also dedicating space within Eugene Station for local nonprofits helping underrepresented groups access housing. Our Operations team has touchpoints with a variety of these communities on a regular basis. They know our operators, we know them by name. We can contribute to the overall health of our community without affecting our bottom line.

“Effective mobility goes beyond mere logistics; it’s about creating connections and opportunities for everyone in our community,” says Auten. “Public transportation is not an isolated service for the few, but a critical component of the larger ecosystem that supports the community.”

Auten believes transportation can build bridges where gaps have historically existed. One can see this in LTD’s focus on rural transportation and our partnership with Lane Council of Governments. Or, in LTD’s recent collaborative work with the Oregon Beverage Recycling Cooperative on a mobile bottle drop. And lastly, in our deep involvement in Lane County’s response to this summer’s heat waves.

Throughout the United States, public agencies and nonprofit organizations grapple with the diverse needs of their communities. Whether it’s education, business, healthcare, or housing, a transit agency can be a convener of solutions. At LTD, we understand that a well-coordinated and inclusive transportation network is vital for local prosperity. LTD’s partnerships with healthcare providers, educational institutions, nonprofits, and businesses have enabled us to tailor our services to meet the specific needs of our riders.

To this end, LTD is working with various organizations to find unique solutions that benefit the public, like meeting with Rhonda Busek of Lane Community Health Council to identify rural food deserts; convening local anti-trafficking task forces to develop stronger reporting policies; and creating new initiatives through a trauma-informed lens.

“Our mission is to provide not only mobility, but human-centric value,” says Auten. “Every ride on an LTD bus is a step toward greater access, equity, and community cohesion. LTD is proud to be a part of our riders’ journeys, while we remain dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our community.”

The success of LTD’s new initiatives is not only a testament to Auten’s foresight, but thanks to an incredible team of almost 250 employees – from mechanics and drivers to our customer service team. By understanding and addressing the unique needs of our community, we are creating a transportation network that’s more than just a means of getting from point A to point B. It is a vital lifeline that supports the health, well-being, and prosperity of
our community.