Affordable and reliable transportation is a necessity for a strong economy in every community. Public transit in dense areas with housing and employment opportunities can serve a large population. Yet transit is only one part of a menu of options, because it does not serve all areas or all workers.
Private vehicle ownership for low-wage workers is an important
factor in a strong economy and an inclusive society and has significant
benefits for individuals and families. Cars ensure that more people can
fully contribute to the local economy because vehicle ownership
increases employment opportunities, hours worked, and wages earned. For more information about transportation and a strong economy, visit our transportation resource page.
On this page you can access data regarding the relationship between access to driving and employment from unique surveys sponsored by the Annie E. Casey Foundation in the ten "Making Connection" initiative cities.
These surveys took place in two waves, between 2000 and
2007, and include information about employment, car ownership, license holding, and citizenship. The survey results give an indication of the strong correlation between access to driving and employment. In Denver, for example, the results from the second
wave survey show that while 78% of employed respondents have a car, only 47%
of respondents who are not employed have one. The disparity highlights
the fact that people with access to a car are more likely to get a job. This trend is repeated across every city in the study. Moreover, these results are consistent with other academic research.
"Making Connections
is the flagship initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation. Its core
strategy helps children succeed based on the belief that the best way
to improve outcomes for vulnerable children living in tough
neighborhoods is to strengthen their families’ connections to economic
opportunity, positive social networks, and effective services and
supports. Launched in 1999, Making Connections is a decade-long effort
to demonstrate this theory in disinvested communities across the
country, and in full partnership with residents, community-based
organizations, local government, businesses, social service agencies,
community foundations, and other funders."
The Making Connections sites are Denver, CO; Des
Moines, IA; Hartford, CT; Indianapolis, IN; Louisville, KY; Milwaukee,
WI; Oakland, CA; Providence, RI; San Antonio, TX; and Seattle, WA.
For more information please visit The Annie E. Casey Foundation website.
Access to Driving - In the News
Want to help the unemployed? Give them wheels
June 20, 2008
ReportonBusiness.com (Canada)
The government wants to spend $1.5 billion on job training. Providing access to driving may be more effective, according to Margy Waller and the Brookings Institution.
Drive out of poverty with a car
May 5, 2008
CNN Money
Rising fuel prices are hurting drivers, but those without access to a car are hurting even more. Some organizations are working to provide a remedy.
