Patterns of Mobility of Working Poor

This study examines the transportation problems faced by low-income residents in Greensboro, NC, with special emphasis on the autoless worker. A survey revealed a strong auto-orientation among lower income families. Of the autoless respondents, more than half used someone else's automobile as a principle mode for the journey to work. An important segment of the working poor were captive riders to the transit system. These workers were typically older, more likely to be female than male, more likely to be Black than White. There appeared little significant difference between the average hourly wages of auto-owning and carless workers. Consequently, any alternative transportation system for the city would have to charge low fares in line with the current fare structures.